“Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; but I will meditate on Your precepts. Let those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies” (Ps 119:78-79).
Two groups of people interacted with David: the proud — those seriously impressed with themselves; and the reverential — those seriously impressed with the Lord. From the first group, says the psalm, you can expect ill treatment and distortions of truth. But there is a safe haven for God’s people: when we encounter those with a living and intimate relationship with God.
We should be ready, says David, to come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in their hour of need. Here the word used for the Scriptures is “testimonies,” a record of witness. And the Bible is full of such liaisons. Think when Jonathan came to David “in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.” Or when Elisabeth encouraged expectant Mary. Or when the Lord instructed Peter to “strengthen your brethren.” Or you and me today!