One of the themes that keeps cropping up throughout Psalm 119 is that the author seems to be the subject of mocking and slander, particularly from people in positions of authority and influence. For example, Ps 119:22-23 speaks of the scorn, contempt and opposition he faces:

²²Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
²³Even though princes sit plotting against me,
   your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Here in the “Waw” section (Ps 119:41-48), he returns to this theme. He is being taunted (presumably by people who don’t consider him a fool for trusting God’s word):

⁴²then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
   for I trust in your word.

He also seems to find himself being hauled up in front of kings to give account of himself in some way. Maybe his determination to obey God’s law is causing offence. But he is determined not to be intimidated into keeping silent about God’s word. He will speak out the truth without feeling ashamed, and is confident that ultimately he will be vindicated by God.

⁴⁶I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
   and shall not be put to shame,

I think this has growing relevance for Christians in a society where there are increasingly vocal critics of the Bible. To say you believe in God’s word is likely to result either in laughter or condemnation. The temptation is to keep quiet as a result, staying under the radar. The reason we do this is that we have a tendency to crave the approval of people rather than God. But the Psalmist knows where his loyalty lies. He would rather have God’s approval and man’s rejection than the other way round.

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38