Salmi 31:11

11 Per cagione di tutti i miei nemici, io sono stato in gran vituperio Eziandio a’ miei vicini, e in ispavento a’ miei conoscenti; Quelli che mi veggono fuori se ne fuggono lontano da me.

Salmi 31:11 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 31:11

I was a reproach among all mine enemies
This is a common case of the people of God; and though it may be the least of their afflictions, yet it is not grateful to the flesh; and it is as it is made: under divine supports saints rejoice, and take pleasure in reproaches, that they are counted worthy to bear them, and esteem them as great riches; at other times they seize and feed upon their spirits, and are ready to break their hearts;

but especially among my neighbours;
who knew him, and knew he did not deserve to be so treated; and who ought, as neighbours, to have loved him, and done all good offices to him; so that this is an aggravation both of their sin and his distress;

and a fear to mine acquaintance;
not that they were afraid that he should do them any mischief; but they were afraid to own him, and to do him any service; unless the sense is, that they were afraid that evil would befall him, that he should not escape with his life; which, though it may express the affectionate concern of his friends, yet shows the danger he was exposed to;

they that did see me without fled from me;
as if he had something very pestilential and infectious about him.

Salmi 31:11 In-Context

9 Abbi mercè di me, Signore; perciocchè io sono in distretta; L’occhio mio, l’anima mia, e il ventre mio, son consumati di cordoglio.

10 Perciocchè la mia vita si vien meno di noia, Ed i miei anni di sospirare; Le mie forze sono scadute per le mie pene, E le mie ossa son consumate.

11 Per cagione di tutti i miei nemici, io sono stato in gran vituperio Eziandio a’ miei vicini, e in ispavento a’ miei conoscenti; Quelli che mi veggono fuori se ne fuggono lontano da me.

12 Io sono stato dimenticato dal cuor loro come un morto; Io son simile ad un vaso perduto.

13 Perciocchè io ho udito il vituperio di molti; Spavento è d’ogn’intorno, Mentre prendono insieme consiglio contro a me, E macchinano di tormi la vita.