The Bible talks about persecution for righteousness's sake.
When the right values and course are chosen, that is righteousness.
The ego will rebel. Maybe other people's egos will rebel, too, and they will question, challenge, dismiss, condemn, or attack.
But the chief persecution obviously comes from one's own ego. Others come and go, but it is constantly present. It is literally hellbent on re-establishing the values of materialism, individualism, sensualism, and hedonism (MISH), which lead to misery, anger, sorrow, and hurt (MASH).
The ensuing battle between the lower self and the Higher Self refines the understanding and strengthens the defences.
The result is an impregnable fortress: Ein' feste Burg.