John Calvin Commentary Psalms 69:6

"Let not them that wait for thee be put to shame through me, O Lord Jehovah of hosts: Let not those that seek thee be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel." — Psalms 69:6 (ASV)

O Jehovah, Lord of Hosts! Do not let those who wait for you be ashamed in me. David declares that he is presented as an example from which all God's people may derive grounds for either hope or despair. Although he was held in detestation and execrated by most of the people, a few still remained who were ready to bear just and impartial testimony to his innocence. They knew that he was unrighteously afflicted by his persecutors, that he constantly relied on the grace and goodness of God, and that no temptations could discourage or prevent him from remaining steadfast in practicing true godliness.

But when they observed the distresses and calamities to which he was nevertheless subjected, the only conclusion they could reach was that all the effort and labor he had undertaken in devoutly serving God were entirely thrown away. Since all the instances in which God extends his aid to his servants are indeed seals, by which he confirms and assures us of his goodness and grace toward us, the faithful must have been extremely discouraged if David had been forsaken in his extreme distress. He now lays before God the danger of their being discouraged in this way; not because God ever needs to be reminded of anything, but because he allows us to speak freely with him at the throne of grace.

The word wait is properly understood as hope, and the expression to seek God as prayer. Connecting these two teaches us the valuable lesson that faith is not an entirely inactive principle, since it is what stirs us up to seek God.