Horav Yitzchok Aramah, z.l., the Baal Akeidas Yitzchak related a story to interpret this pasuk. The king of France became very ill. Doctors were brought in from near and far, and no one could devise a therapy for the king’s illness. The king of Spain heard about the French king’s dilemma and sent a message that he had a brilliant physician who could care for the king. He was a Jewish apostate who had left his faith in pursuit of fame and fortune. The French king refused to accept this doctor. He explained that if he was truly so proficient, it would not have been necessary for him to eschew his religion. One who is secure in his capabilities will find acceptance in the secular/non-Jewish world based solely on his ability, not on his being a member of the popular religion. It must be, the king conjectured, that the doctor is not really that brilliant. Thus, he had to conceal his ineptitude by converting.
A Jew who is secure within himself, who is proud of his achievements, who wears the emblem of Torah Judaism with pride and nobility has no reason to assimilate to impress others. The mere fact that he is insecure is an indication that he has traits that cause him to be insecure. The Jew who can stand alone, secure in and proud of his heritage, is the one who bears the banner of Yisrael.
