Psalm 119:46 | “I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame.”

The psalmist promises to declare God’s testimonies publicly, even before kings. Those who know God’s truth cannot remain silent. “I will also speak” describes a bold proclamation of what God has said and done, and his determination to do this before kings highlights his courage and conviction. Although the psalmist likely lived under foreign rule, he remains confident that speaking God’s word is his sacred duty. He trusts that he will not be put to shame, no matter how his message is received or what consequences may follow. Spurgeon notes, “When God gives grace, cowardice soon vanishes.” Derek Kidner comments on the entire waw stanza: “The prayer of Acts 4:29, ‘to speak thy word with all boldness,’ is not only anticipated here (42, 46) but put in context; for the word spoken is first of all the word appropriated (41), trusted (42b, 43b), obeyed (44), sought (45), and loved (47f.).” May we too turn from cowardice and embrace the courage to speak God’s truth wherever he places us today.