◄ Psalm 112 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The Blessed Fear of the LORD (Psalm 128:1–6) 1Hallelujah!a Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. 2His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. 5It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. 6Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. 7He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. 9He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever;b his horn will be lifted high in honor. 10The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish. Footnotes: 1 a Or Hallelu YAH, meaning Praise the LORD. This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 9 b Cited in 2 Corinthians 9:9 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 112 Summary The Blessed Fear of the LORD Verses 1 – Foundation of Blessing The psalm opens with a firm statement: “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD”. Joy springs from revering God and delighting in His commands. Verses 2–3 – Legacy and Provision Because this worshipper puts God first, his children are strong—“His descendants will be mighty”—and wealth and righteousness fill the house. Verse 4 – Light in Darkness Even in dark times a godly person becomes like dawn for others, showing compassion and doing what is right. Verses 5–6 – Steadfast Stability He lends generously, conducts his affairs fairly, and, as the psalm insists, “He will not be shaken”; his memory endures. Verses 7–8 – Fearless Confidence Bad news does not cripple him because his heart is anchored in the LORD; he looks on adversaries without panic. Verse 9 – Generous Influence His giving is open-handed; honor crowns him and his influence spreads. Verse 10 – The Contrast The wicked witness all this and stew in frustration; their plans collapse. Psalm 112, part of the poetic books of the Bible, is a beautiful and eloquent treatise on the virtuous life and its resulting rewards. It serves as a guideline for righteous living, demonstrating the inherent benefits of fearing God and adhering to His commands. A stark contrast is drawn between the righteous and the wicked, with the former promised blessings and stability, while the latter faces frustration and despair. Historical Setting Psalm 112 stands next to Psalm 111 as a matched pair. Both are acrostic poems: every half-line begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 111 celebrates God’s works; Psalm 112 shows what happens when those works shape a person’s life. The link hints that the two were sung together in temple worship—perhaps in the early Second Temple period when covenant faithfulness was being renewed—yet its truths are timeless, echoing Deuteronomy’s promise that obedience brings blessing. Psalm Structure and Literary Notes • Twenty-two cola (half-lines), matching the Hebrew alphabet from aleph to tav. • Symmetry: verses 1-3 lay out blessing; verses 4-9 describe character; verse 10 provides the lone contrast. • Chiastic echo with Psalm 111: “the fear of the LORD” closes 111:10 and opens 112:1. • Frequent parallelism: “wealth and riches” / “justice endures,” “steadfast heart” / “trusts in the LORD,” reinforcing certainty. • The final verse shifts abruptly to the wicked—underscoring that righteousness is the focus, not evil. Themes and Theology 1. Fear of the LORD. Not terror but wholehearted respect and joyful obedience; Proverbs 9:10 calls it the “beginning of wisdom.” 2. Generational blessing. Faith is expected to outlive the faithful, echoing Genesis 18:19 and Acts 16:31. 3. Righteous generosity. Paul quotes verse 9 in 2 Corinthians 9:9 to urge open-handed giving. 4. Steadfast heart in trouble. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to the fixed mind; Psalm 112 illustrates it. 5. Contrast with the wicked. Like Psalm 1, the poem ends with the ungodly unraveling—not with the righteous crowing. Messianic and New Testament Connections • Jesus embodies Psalm 112: delighting in His Father’s will (John 8:29), bringing light (John 1:4-5), giving to the poor (Matthew 11:5). • The Beatitudes echo verse 1—blessing linked to a God-ward life. • “Light dawns” (v 4) anticipates Luke 1:78-79 where Christ is the Dayspring guiding feet into peace. • Verses 7-8 resemble John 14:27, where Jesus grants peace that overcomes fear. • Acts 2:44-47 reflects verse 9: believers share freely and gain favor with all. Practical Application for Today • Cultivate reverence: begin each day reading Scripture and acting on it. • Invest in the next generation: pray with children, teach Scripture, model integrity. • Practice steady generosity: set aside regular gifts and stay alert for spontaneous needs. • Face headlines without panic: rehearse verses 7-8 before scrolling news feeds. • Remember the gospel contrast: righteousness is God’s gift through Christ (Romans 5:17); verse 10 shows life without it. Related Old Testament Passages • Deuteronomy 28:1-14—parallel blessings tied to obedience. • Proverbs 11:24-25—generosity leads to increase. • Isaiah 58:10—helping the hungry causes light to rise. • Psalm 37:25-26—descendants of the righteous are not forsaken and give generously. • Malachi 3:16-18—a “scroll of remembrance” honors those who fear the LORD. Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Lending practices: Neo-Babylonian tablets list interest rates of 20 percent or more; verse 5 applauds fair dealings instead of exploitation. • Weights and measures: limestone weight sets found near the Temple Mount illustrate the business backdrop behind “conducts his affairs with justice.” • City gates: verse 8 pictures the righteous looking in triumph on foes; excavations at Lachish and Megiddo reveal gate complexes where legal cases were heard and enemies paraded. • Philanthropy stelae: inscriptions from Elephantine and Ugarit commend benefactors who gave grain during famine—real-life parallels to the generosity of verse 9. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.' Teaching Points Fear of the Lord as the Foundation Psalm 112:1 begins with, Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. The fear of the Lord is the starting point for a blessed life, emphasizing reverence and obedience to God. Generational Blessings Verse 2 states, His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. A life lived in righteousness impacts not only the individual but also future generations. Righteousness and Wealth Verse 3 notes, Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. True wealth is not just material but is deeply connected to enduring righteousness. Light in Darkness Verse 4 says, Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. The righteous bring hope and clarity even in dark times through their godly character. Stability and Confidence Verses 6-8 highlight the stability of the righteous: Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Generosity and Justice Verse 9 emphasizes, He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. His horn will be lifted high in honor. The blessed man is marked by generosity and a commitment to justice. Practical Applications Cultivate a Reverent Fear of God Make it a daily practice to seek God's wisdom and delight in His commandments. Invest in Future Generations Consider how your faith and actions today can positively impact your children and community. Seek Righteousness Over Material Wealth Prioritize spiritual growth and integrity over the pursuit of material gain. Be a Light in Dark Times Strive to be a source of hope and guidance for others, reflecting God's light in challenging situations. Practice Generosity Look for opportunities to give to those in need, understanding that true honor comes from serving others. People 1. The Righteous Man This person is described as one who fears the LORD and delights greatly in His commandments (Psalm 112:1). The Hebrew root for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) implies someone who is just, ethical, and in right standing with God. 2. His Descendants The descendants of the righteous man are mentioned as being mighty in the land and blessed (Psalm 112:2). This reflects the Hebrew concept of generational blessing, where the righteousness of one can positively impact future generations. 3. The Wicked Although not a primary focus, the wicked are implied as a contrast to the righteous. They are mentioned in the context of being vexed by the prosperity and stability of the righteous (Psalm 112:10). The Hebrew word for "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha) denotes someone who is morally wrong or guilty. Psalm 112 emphasizes the blessings and stability that come to those who live righteously and fear the LORD, contrasting their fate with that of the wicked. Places Psalm 112 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on the characteristics and blessings of a righteous person. The psalm is more thematic and does not provide a list of physical locations. Therefore, there are no places to list from this particular psalm. Events 1. Blessedness of the Righteous The psalm begins by declaring the blessedness of those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments. The Hebrew word for "blessed" (אַשְׁרֵי, 'ashrei) conveys a sense of happiness and well-being. 2. Generational Blessing The descendants of the righteous are described as mighty in the land, and the generation of the upright will be blessed. This reflects the Hebrew concept of generational continuity and blessing. 3. Wealth and Riches The psalm states that wealth and riches are in the house of the righteous, and their righteousness endures forever. The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) implies justice and moral integrity. 4. Light in Darkness For the upright, light arises in the darkness, symbolizing guidance and hope. This imagery is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of light as a metaphor for divine presence and truth. 5. Graciousness and Compassion The righteous person is described as gracious, compassionate, and righteous. These attributes reflect the Hebrew values of kindness (חֵן, chen) and mercy (רַחוּם, rachum). 6. Goodness and Justice It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) emphasizes fairness and equity. 7. Stability and Confidence The righteous will never be shaken, and they will be remembered forever. This stability is rooted in their trust in the Lord, as indicated by the Hebrew word for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach). 8. Fearlessness The righteous do not fear bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. This reflects a deep-seated confidence and reliance on God. 9. Victory over Enemies The righteous will look in triumph on their foes, indicating eventual vindication and victory over adversaries. 10. Generosity and Honor The righteous have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, and their righteousness endures forever. Their horn will be lifted high in honor, symbolizing strength and dignity. 11. Frustration of the Wicked The wicked will see the prosperity of the righteous and be vexed, ultimately leading to their own desires perishing. This contrast highlights the ultimate futility of wickedness. Lessons from Psalm 112 1. The Blessing of Reverence Psalm 112 begins with a powerful reminder: "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments" (Psalm 112:1). Reverence for God is not just a duty; it is a source of blessing. When we align our lives with His commandments, we open ourselves to His favor and guidance. This reverence is the foundation of a life well-lived, leading to joy and fulfillment. 2. Generational Impact "A generation of the upright will be blessed" (Psalm 112:2). Our actions and faith have a ripple effect that extends beyond our own lives. By living righteously, we set a powerful example for future generations. This is a call to invest in the spiritual legacy we leave behind, ensuring that our children and grandchildren walk in the light of God's truth. 3. Wealth with Integrity "Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:3). True prosperity is not just about material wealth but about integrity and righteousness. When we prioritize God's principles, we find that our lives are enriched in ways that money cannot buy. This enduring righteousness is a treasure that outlasts any earthly possession. 4. Light in Darkness "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright" (Psalm 112:4). Life can be challenging, and darkness may seem overwhelming at times. Yet, for those who walk with God, there is always a light that guides and comforts. This light is His presence, offering hope and direction even in the most difficult circumstances. 5. Gracious and Compassionate Living "He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4). These qualities are not just attributes of God but are also characteristics we are called to embody. Living with grace and compassion reflects God's love to those around us, making our lives a testimony of His goodness and mercy. 6. Steadfastness in Faith "Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever" (Psalm 112:6). In a world full of uncertainties, steadfast faith is a powerful anchor. When we trust in God, we find stability and strength that cannot be shaken by life's storms. This unwavering faith leaves a lasting legacy that inspires others. 7. Fearless Confidence "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7). Fear can paralyze us, but trust in God empowers us to face challenges with confidence. By placing our trust in Him, we can navigate life's uncertainties with a peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that He is in control. 8. Generosity as a Lifestyle "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:9). Generosity is a hallmark of a life lived in alignment with God's heart. By giving freely and joyfully, we reflect His generosity and make a tangible impact on the world around us. This lifestyle of giving is a testament to our faith and trust in God's provision. 9. Triumph Over Adversity "His horn will be exalted in honor" (Psalm 112:9). Adversity is inevitable, but for those who trust in God, there is victory. Our triumphs are not just personal achievements but are opportunities to glorify God and demonstrate His power at work in our lives. This honor is a reflection of His faithfulness and our perseverance. 10. The Downfall of the Wicked "The desire of the wicked will perish" (Psalm 112:10). While the righteous flourish, the plans of the wicked ultimately come to nothing. This serves as a sobering reminder of the futility of living apart from God's will. It encourages us to remain steadfast in righteousness, knowing that God's justice will prevail. These lessons from Psalm 112 offer a roadmap for a life that honors God and blesses others. By embracing these principles, we can experience the fullness of His promises and live a life that truly matters. Topics 1. Fear of the Lord The psalm begins by emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord. "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments" (Psalm 112:1). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) implies reverence and awe, which is foundational for a righteous life. 2. Blessings on Descendants The psalm promises blessings on the descendants of the righteous. "His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed" (Psalm 112:2). This reflects the Hebrew concept of generational blessing. 3. Wealth and Riches The righteous are promised material blessings. "Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:3). The Hebrew word for "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, osher) indicates abundance and prosperity. 4. Light in Darkness The righteous are described as a light in the darkness. "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4). This metaphor highlights the moral and spiritual clarity provided by righteousness. 5. Graciousness and Compassion The psalm highlights the gracious and compassionate nature of the righteous. "It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice" (Psalm 112:5). The Hebrew word for "gracious" (חָנוּן, channun) emphasizes kindness and mercy. 6. Stability and Confidence The righteous are described as stable and confident. "Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever" (Psalm 112:6). The Hebrew root for "shaken" (מוֹט, mot) suggests being moved or disturbed. 7. Fearlessness in Adversity The psalm assures that the righteous will not fear bad news. "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7). The Hebrew word for "steadfast" (נָכוֹן, nachon) implies being firm and established. 8. Victory over Enemies The righteous will ultimately triumph over their adversaries. "In the end he will look in triumph on his foes" (Psalm 112:8). This reflects the Hebrew understanding of divine justice and vindication. 9. Generosity and Justice The psalm concludes with a focus on the generosity and justice of the righteous. "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:9). The Hebrew word for "scattered" (פָּזַר, pazar) conveys the idea of distributing widely and liberally. 10. Eternal Legacy The legacy of the righteous is eternal. "His horn will be lifted high in honor" (Psalm 112:9). The "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren) symbolizes strength and honor, indicating a lasting impact and remembrance. Themes 1. Fear of the Lord Psalm 112 begins with the theme of fearing the Lord, which is foundational to the psalm. "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments" (Psalm 112:1). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) implies reverence and awe, highlighting a deep respect and commitment to God's ways. 2. Righteousness and Uprightness The psalm emphasizes the righteousness of the person who fears the Lord. "His righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:3). The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) conveys a sense of justice and moral integrity, suggesting a life lived in accordance with God's standards. 3. Generosity and Compassion Generosity is a key theme, as the righteous person is described as gracious and compassionate. "He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous" (Psalm 112:4). The Hebrew root for "gracious" (חָנַן, chanan) indicates kindness and favor, reflecting God's own character. 4. Stability and Security The psalm assures that those who fear the Lord will not be shaken. "Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever" (Psalm 112:6). The Hebrew word for "shaken" (מוֹט, mot) suggests being moved or overthrown, emphasizing the stability that comes from a life grounded in God. 5. Fearlessness and Trust Trust in the Lord leads to fearlessness, even in the face of adversity. "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7). The Hebrew word for "trusting" (בָּטַח, batach) implies confidence and reliance, underscoring a deep-seated faith in God's providence. 6. Legacy and Influence The psalm speaks to the enduring legacy of the righteous. "His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed" (Psalm 112:2). The Hebrew word for "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor) suggests strength and influence, indicating the positive impact of a godly life on future generations. 7. Victory over Adversaries The righteous will ultimately triumph over their enemies. "In the end he will look in triumph on his foes" (Psalm 112:8). The Hebrew root for "triumph" (נָצַח, natsach) conveys the idea of enduring victory, reflecting God's justice and protection for those who are faithful. Prayer Points Pray for a deeper reverence and fear of the Lord in your life. Ask God to help you be a positive influence on future generations. Seek God's guidance in prioritizing righteousness over material wealth. Pray for the strength to be a light in dark times and to trust God in all circumstances. Ask for a generous heart that reflects God's love and justice to those in need. As we reflect on Psalm 112, may we be inspired to live lives that are truly blessed, marked by righteousness, generosity, and a steadfast trust in the Lord. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do Psalm 112:1–2’s promises of blessed descendants align with historical records showing many faithful believers who faced familial hardship or extinction? 2. Psalm 112:3 declares that the righteous will enjoy wealth and riches; how does this reconcile with devout individuals who remain poor and persecuted throughout history? 3. Psalm 112:4 refers to light dawning in darkness for the upright; can this be confirmed scientifically, or is it purely metaphorical language with no empirical validation? 4. Why does Psalm 112:6 say the righteous will be remembered forever, when countless morally upright figures have faded into obscurity without any historical trace? 5. Psalm 112:7–8 portrays the righteous as fearless in troubling times; how can we verify the claim that faith alone dispels fear, given the prevalence of anxiety even among devout believers? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean to fear the Lord as described in verse 1? How does this concept apply in your life today? 2. How can you exhibit the delight in God's commands mentioned in verse 1 in your daily actions and choices? 3. What forms of "wealth and riches" (verse 3) can a righteous life yield beyond material wealth? 4. How does the "light [that] shines in the darkness" (verse 4) metaphorically represent the influence of the righteous? 5. In what ways can you demonstrate the generosity and justice described in verse 5 in your current circumstances? 6. How does a righteous person show "no fear of bad news" (verse 7)? How can you emulate this in your life? 7. What steps can you take to build the kind of confidence depicted in verse 8? 8. How can you extend your resources to the poor as described in verse 9? 9. What are the implications of the downfall of the wicked as described in verse 10? 10. How does Psalm 112 reshape your understanding of success and prosperity? 11. How does this Psalm challenge your current views of righteousness? 12. What can you do to manifest the characteristics of the righteous as depicted in this Psalm in your community? 13. How does the promise of enduring influence (verse 3) influence your perspective on parenting or mentorship? 14. How can the values expressed in this Psalm guide business or financial decisions? 15. How does this Psalm provide guidance for handling adversity or bad news? 16. How can you practically embody the generosity depicted in verse 9 in your relationships with others? 17. What actions can you take to show a 'fear of the Lord' in your daily life? 18. How does this Psalm inspire you to respond to those in need around you? 19. What strategies can you employ to ensure your heart is "secure and unafraid" as described in verse 8? 20. How can you cultivate a delight in God's commands in your personal spiritual practice? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions