This Psalm brings before us the persecutions endured by the godly remnant of a future day. We read much of this time in the Psalms, and the Lord also speaks of it in Matthew 24. The godly remnant of all times will have persecutions (2 Tim. 3:12). Also Phil. 1:29, where we read: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
The natural man can glory in the outward work of the Lord even from a humanitarian or sentimental standpoint; but we learn from the parable of the Sower that though there may be a certain outward joy in the beauty of the Word, unless there is a work within the heart, the profession will be given up when difficulties or persecutions arise. When “buying of the truth” comes in, the natural man will consider the cost too great and give it up.