John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:141

"I am small and despised; [Yet] do I not forget thy precepts." — Psalms 119:141 (ASV)

I am, insignificant and despised. The meaning is that although he was tested by poverty and many other calamities, he steadily persevered in the exercise of true godliness and in the observance of the law. On that account, as he states, he was despised by wicked men.

People generally give praise to God only in proportion to how much they are gorged with his benefits; very few will be found applying their minds to the service of God unless they have all their wishes gratified. Thus it happens that hypocrites, as long as they are fully pampered, accumulate riches, and increase in power, are very lavish in praising God. But let them be treated somewhat roughly, and immediately the blessed name of God is heard of no more.

Since, then, people are ordinarily mercenary in serving God, let us learn from the Prophet’s example that true godliness is disinterested. Under its influence, we do not cease to praise God, even if he afflicts us with adversity and makes us despised in the eyes of the world. These rebuking words of Christ in John 6:26 should certainly be carefully heeded:

Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (John 6:26)

Therefore, those who serve God ingenuously and sincerely are those who continue steadfast in his fear, even though their condition in this world may be mean and despised. In short, they are those who do not seek their reward on earth but, through heat and cold, poverty and danger, slanders and mockeries, persevere with unwearied steps in the course of their warfare.