Psalm 119:161-176

When I read verse 161 I wrestled with the connection of persecution of princes and the awe of God's word.  As I dwelt on that verse I looked at the similarities of rulers and God's Word. Both should be trustworthy, consistent, and honorable. Both should display love to those people living under them while serving their most basic needs of protection and provisions. That is where the contrast is drawn. The persecuting princes lack all of the charateristics that they should be sharing with God's word.  Because the words of the LORD have proven themselves true in all of these areas then they are offered the respect of their followers while it is implied that the princes are disdained.
It took me less than two minutes to read the last two stanzas of this psalm.
Stuart