John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:157

"Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; [Yet] have I not swerved from thy testimonies." — Psalms 119:157 (ASV)

My persecutors and oppressors are many. The Psalmist here, as in other places, testifies that although he had been provoked by many injuries, he had not departed from the right way; which, as I have elsewhere observed, was an evidence of great and remarkable constancy. It is easy to act well when we are among the good; but if wicked men afflict us, if one man openly assaults us by force, if another robs us of our property, if a third deceives us with cunning schemes, and a fourth attacks us with slander, it is difficult for us to persevere in our integrity, and we are more likely to begin to howl among the wolves.

Besides, the license they are allowed to do as they please without the fear of being punished is a powerful instrument for shaking our faith, because when God thus seems to overlook the wicked, He appears to abandon us as prey. The Prophet therefore, by God’s testimonies, means not only the rule of holy and righteous living but also the promises.

Lord, it is as if he had said: I have not turned away from the path of integrity, although the conduct of the wicked has presented me with a temptation to do so; nor have I lost my confidence in Your grace, but have waited patiently for Your help.

Both these aspects are necessary. For although someone who has suffered wrongs may contend against the malice of his enemies by doing good and may refrain from every act of retaliation, yet if he does not depend entirely on God, this uprightness will not be sufficient to save him.

It is not that anyone behaves so moderately unless he leans upon God and waits for Him as his deliverer; but even if that were the case, there would not be sufficient power in this half-virtue to save him.

The salvation of God is reserved for the faithful who ask for it in the exercise of lively faith. And whoever, persuaded that God will be his deliverer, makes the divine promises the pillar and support of his mind, will also endeavor to overcome evil with good.