Psalm 112:10
The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish.
The wicked
In the Hebrew text, the word for "wicked" is "רָשָׁע" (rasha). This term is often used throughout the Old Testament to describe those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. The wicked are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. In the context of Psalm 112, the wicked are contrasted with the righteous, who are blessed and favored by God. The wicked, by their nature, reject the wisdom and instruction of the Lord, leading to their ultimate downfall.

will see
The Hebrew verb "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means "to see" or "to perceive." In this context, it implies an awareness or realization. The wicked will witness the prosperity and blessings of the righteous, which serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and justice. This seeing is not just a physical act but an acknowledgment of the reality of God's favor upon the righteous.

and be grieved
The word "grieved" comes from the Hebrew "כָּעַס" (ka'as), which means to be vexed, angry, or indignant. The wicked experience an emotional response of frustration and envy when they observe the blessings of the righteous. This grief is rooted in their recognition of their own lack of peace and prosperity, which is a direct consequence of their rebellion against God.

he will gnash his teeth
The phrase "gnash his teeth" is a vivid expression of intense anger and frustration. In Hebrew, "חָרַק" (charak) means to grind or gnash. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture to depict the anguish and rage of those who are opposed to God (e.g., Job 16:9, Lamentations 2:16). It signifies a deep-seated resentment and impotent rage against the success and joy of the righteous.

and waste away
The Hebrew word "מָסַס" (masas) means to melt, dissolve, or waste away. This describes the ultimate fate of the wicked, who, despite their anger and opposition, will find themselves deteriorating and losing strength. Their plans and schemes come to nothing, and their lives lack the enduring substance that comes from a relationship with God.

the desires of the wicked
The term "desires" is translated from the Hebrew "תַּאֲוָה" (ta'avah), which refers to longing or craving. The desires of the wicked are often self-centered and contrary to God's will. These desires are fleeting and ultimately unfulfilled, as they are based on temporal and worldly pursuits rather than eternal truths.

will perish
The Hebrew word "אָבַד" (avad) means to perish, vanish, or be destroyed. This final phrase underscores the ultimate futility of the wicked's pursuits. In contrast to the enduring legacy of the righteous, the wicked's desires and ambitions will come to nothing. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living a life apart from God and His righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Wicked Man
Represents those who live in opposition to God's ways, characterized by their unrighteous actions and desires.

2. The Righteous
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 112 contrasts the wicked with the righteous, who are blessed and favored by God.

3. The Event of Judgment
The verse implies a moment of realization and judgment where the wicked see the prosperity of the righteous and are filled with grief.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Wickedness
The verse serves as a sobering reminder that living in opposition to God's will leads to ultimate disappointment and destruction.

The Reality of Divine Justice
God's justice is assured, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions, even if it seems delayed.

The Futility of Wicked Desires
Desires that are not aligned with God's will are ultimately unfulfilling and lead to ruin.

Encouragement for the Righteous
The righteous can take comfort in knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded, and the apparent success of the wicked is temporary.

Call to Repentance
This verse can serve as a call for self-examination and repentance for those who may be straying from God's path.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fate of the wicked in Psalm 112:10 compare to the promises given to the righteous earlier in the Psalm?

2. In what ways does the concept of "gnashing of teeth" in this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on judgment in the New Testament?

3. How can understanding the ultimate end of the wicked influence our daily decisions and priorities?

4. What are some desires in your life that may not align with God's will, and how can you redirect them?

5. How can the assurance of God's justice provide comfort and encouragement in times of personal or societal injustice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37
This Psalm also contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked will ultimately perish while the righteous will inherit the land.

Matthew 13:42
Jesus speaks of the wicked being cast into a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, highlighting the ultimate judgment and separation from God.

Proverbs 10:28
This verse contrasts the hope of the righteous with the perishing expectations of the wicked, similar to the theme in Psalm 112:10.
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
The Commendation and Reward of the Benevolent ManE. Steane.Psalm 112:9-10
The Excellency and Reward of CharityW. Berriman, D.D.Psalm 112:9-10
Thy Duty and Reward of Bounty to the PoorPsalm 112:9-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Angry, Desire, Envy, Evil-doers, Gnash, Gnashes, Gnasheth, Grief, Grieved, Longings, Melt, Melted, Melts, Nothing, Nought, Perish, Sees, Sinner, Teeth, Vexed, Waste, Wasted, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:10

     5058   rest, spiritual
     5132   biting
     5189   teeth
     5864   futility
     6142   decay

Library
Letter viii (Circa A. D. 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor
To Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor He praises Gilbert, who practised poverty in the station of Bishop. The report of your conduct has spread far and wide, and has given to those whom it has reached an odour of great sweetness. The love of riches is extinct; what sweetness results! charity reigns; what a delight to all! All recognise you for a truly wise man, who has trodden under foot the great enemy with true wisdom; and this is most worthy of your name and of your priesthood. It was
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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