Bible Commentaries
Psalms 112

Verses 1-10

Psalms 112

Blessedness of the Righteous

Scripture v. 1-10

Verse 1 calls for the Hallelujah kind of praise to the Lord, adding that the one who (continually) fears the Lord is a blessed or spiritually prosperous person. It adds that such is particularly true of the one who takes great pleasure in obeying His commandments, Psalms 128:1; Psalms 111:2; Psalms 111:10;Jeremiah 32:39; Psalms 1:2; Psalms 19:7; Psalms 19:10.

Verses 2,3 add that "His seed shall be mighty (warrior like) upon earth, Psalms 52:1; and "The generation (seed) of the upright shall be blessed," as pledged Exodus 20:5; Psalms 25:13; Psalms 37:26; Psalms 102:28. It is also declared "Wealth and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness lives on for ever," as an influence for good, Luke 12:33; Matthew 6:33; Psalms 111:3; Isaiah 45:24; Isaiah 54:17; See Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 15:6; Isaiah 33:6; 2 Corinthians 6:10.

Verse 4 states that to those who live and walk upright (circumspectly) light arises in the darkness. Because the upright one reflects the light of his Lord in righteous, gracious, and compassionate conduct, Psalms 97:11; Ezra 8:16; Job 11:17; Job 30:26; La 3:2; See also Matthew 5:15-16; Matthew 5:45; Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 5:1-2; Ephesians 5:16-17; Luke 6:36.

Verse 5 relates that "a good (ideal) man shows favor, lendeth, and will guide (direct) his affairs with discretion," as Joseph did Pharaoh’s affairs; See also Psalms 37:26; Luke 6:35; Ephesians 5:15; Colossians 4:5; Acts 11:24.

Verse 6 adds that surely this man of discreet judgment in his household affairs, lending to the poor, showing hospitable favors to the needy, shall not be moved, forever, as opposed to the temporary prosperity of the unrighteous, Psalms 15:5; Psalms 37:24; Psalms 37:31; 2 Peter 1:10.

Verse 7 asserts that this blessed, ideal, lawkeeping one shall not "be afraid (all shook up) of evil tidings." For his heart is fixed (firmly), trusting in the Lord," for whatever comes He knows the Lord will overrule it, Psalms 2:12; Proverbs 3:35; Romans 8:28. Let us learn to be bold as Moses at the Red Sea, Joshua at the walls of Jericho, the three Hebrew children before the fiery furnace, and Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29.

Verse 8 adds that "His heart is established (supported by faith), (so that) he shall not be afraid, until he see (realize) his desire upon his enemies," as expressed Psalms 54:7; Psalms 59:10; Psalms 92:11.

Verse 9 recounts also that this blessed man, who fears the Lord continuously, has dispersed, distributed, doled out to the poor, the food and clothing that he needed, as the Lord does for every man, Proverbs 11:24; 2 Corinthians 9:9; James 1:17; Acts 17:28. That man’s righteousness (from God) endures for ever; "his horn (of praise) shall be exalted with honor," because he honors God in his conduct, Psalms 75:4; Psalms 75:10; Psalms 92:10.

Verse 10 concludes that "the wicked shall see it and be grieved," with conviction of his own guilt of sin, Luke 13:28. It is added that "the desire of the wicked shall perish," melt away, like an icicle or candle under an August sun; He shall "gnash with his teeth, and melt away," with spiteful resentment against the righteous, dying in the gaul of his own bitterness, Psalms 37:12; Proverbs 10:28; Job 8:13; Luke 16:25.