◄ Psalm 111:10 ►
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
Study Bible
The fear of the LORD
This phrase is foundational in understanding the relationship between humanity and God. In Hebrew, the word for "fear" is "yirah," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is not merely about being afraid but recognizing God's majesty and holiness. The "fear of the LORD" is the beginning of wisdom, as it aligns one's heart with God's will and acknowledges His sovereignty. Historically, this concept is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where reverence for God was central to worship and daily life.

is the beginning of wisdom
The Hebrew word for "beginning" is "reshit," which implies the first step or the principal part. Wisdom, or "chokmah" in Hebrew, is more than knowledge; it is the skillful application of knowledge in living a life that pleases God. This phrase suggests that true wisdom starts with a proper understanding and reverence for God. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with righteous living and making choices that reflect God's character.

all who follow His precepts
The term "precepts" refers to God's commandments or instructions. In Hebrew, "piqqudim" denotes orders or mandates given by God for righteous living. Following His precepts implies obedience and a commitment to living according to God's standards. Historically, the Israelites were given the Law as a guide for living in a covenant relationship with God, and adherence to these precepts was seen as a path to blessing and favor.

have good understanding
The phrase "good understanding" translates from the Hebrew "sekel tov," which means insight or discernment. This understanding is not merely intellectual but involves moral and spiritual insight that comes from living in accordance with God's will. In the biblical narrative, those who possess this understanding are often depicted as wise and discerning, able to navigate life's complexities with integrity and faithfulness.

His praise endures forever!
This concluding phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's glory and the perpetual acknowledgment of His greatness. The Hebrew word for "praise" is "tehillah," which signifies a song or hymn of praise. The enduring nature of His praise reflects the timelessness of God's character and deeds. Throughout history, God's people have been called to worship and glorify Him, recognizing that His works and His nature are worthy of eternal praise. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of wisdom and understanding: to bring glory to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, as well as His relationship with His people.

2. Wisdom
A key theme in biblical literature, often associated with living in accordance with God's will and understanding His ways.

3. Precepts
Refers to God's commandments and teachings, which guide believers in righteous living.

4. Praise
The act of worship and adoration directed towards God, acknowledging His greatness and eternal nature.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the LORD. This fear is not terror but a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority.

Living by God's Precepts
Following God's commandments leads to a rich understanding of life and aligns us with His will. Obedience to His word is a pathway to wisdom.

Enduring Praise
Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting God's eternal nature. As we grow in wisdom, our praise for Him should deepen and endure.

The Role of Reverence
Reverence for God is not just the start of wisdom but its continual source. It shapes our decisions, actions, and understanding of the world.

Wisdom in Community
Wisdom is not just personal but communal. As we follow God's precepts together, we build a community that reflects His wisdom and understanding.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fear of the LORD influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you actively follow God's precepts in your life today?

3. How does understanding the original Hebrew concept of "fear" as reverence and awe change your perspective on wisdom?

4. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your praise for God endures in all circumstances?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to seek wisdom through a reverent relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:7
This verse echoes the theme that the fear of the LORD is foundational to acquiring wisdom, highlighting the importance of reverence for God in gaining true understanding.

Job 28:28
Reinforces the idea that fearing the LORD is synonymous with wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Concludes with the assertion that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the whole duty of man, aligning with the message of Psalm 111:10.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, connecting the pursuit of wisdom with a relationship with God.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' teaching on the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of applying God's words, akin to following His precepts for a firm foundation.
Sermons
Keeping God's Commandments the Surest Evidence of a Good UnderstandingJob Orton, D.D.Psalm 111:10
Piety is True WisdomS. Partridge, M.A.Psalm 111:10
Religion the Highest WisdomS. Davies, M.A.Psalm 111:10
The Danger and Folly of Living Without ReligionW. Craig.Psalm 111:10
The Starting-Point of Human WisdomR. Tuck Psalm 111:10
HallelujahJ. Irons.Psalm 111:1-10
The Highest Work of Mankind -- Praising GodHomilistPsalm 111:1-10
The Works of the LordS. Conway Psalm 111:1-10
The Works of the LordC. Short Psalm 111:1-10
Whole-Hearted PraiseHomiletic ReviewPsalm 111:1-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abideth, Beginning, Belongs, Best, Commandments, Endures, Endureth, Eternal, Fear, Follow, Forever, Laws, Practice, Praise, Precepts, Standing, Thereafter, Understanding, Wisdom, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 111:10

     4909   beginning
     5033   knowledge, of good and evil
     5302   education
     5894   intelligence
     8335   reverence, and blessing
     8355   understanding
     8365   wisdom, human
     8757   folly, effects of

Psalm 111:1-10

     8660   magnifying God

Library
God and the Godly
'His righteousness endureth for ever.'--PSALMS cxi. 3; cxii. 3. These two psalms are obviously intended as a pair. They are identical in number of verses and in structure, both being acrostic, that is to say, the first clause of each commences with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the second clause with the second, and so on. The general idea that runs through them is the likeness of the godly man to God. That resemblance comes very markedly to the surface at several points in the psalms, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

December the Tenth the Only Wise Beginning
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." --PSALM cxi. If I want to do anything wisely I must begin with God. That is the very alphabet of the matter. Every other beginning is a perverse beginning, and it will end in sure disaster. "I am Alpha." Everything must take its rise in Him, or it will plunge from folly into folly, and culminate in confusion. If I would be wise in my daily business I must begin all my affairs in God. My career itself must be chosen in His presence, and in the …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Third Commandment
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain." I was greatly amazed not long ago in talking to a man who thought he was a Christian, to find that once in a while, when he got angry, he would swear. I said: "My friend, I don't see how you can tear down with one hand what you are trying to build up with the other. I don't see how you can profess to be a child of God and let those words come out of your lips." He replied: …
Dwight L. Moody—Weighed and Wanting

The Ordinance of Covenanting
THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING. BY JOHN CUNNINGHAM, A.M. "HE HATH COMMANDED HIS COVENANT FOR EVER." Ps. cxi. 9. "THOUGH IT BE BUT A MAN'S COVENANT, YET IF IT BE CONFIRMED, NO MAN DISANNULETH, OR ADDETH THERETO." Gal. iii. 15. GLASGOW:--WILLIAM MARSHALL. SOLD ALSO BY JOHN KEITH. EDINBURGH:--THOMAS NELSON AND JOHN JOHNSTONE. LONDON:--HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO. MANCHESTER:-GALT & ANDERSON. BELFAST:--WILLIAM POLLOCK. TO THE REVEREND ANDREW SYMINGTON, D.D., PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Morning Light
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. O ne strong internal proof that the Bible is a divine revelation, may be drawn from the subject matter; and particularly that it is the book, and the only book, that teaches us to …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Canticle of Love
It is not only when He is about to send me some trial that Our Lord gives me warning and awakens my desire for it. For years I had cherished a longing which seemed impossible of realisation--to have a brother a Priest. I often used to think that if my little brothers had not gone to Heaven, I should have had the happiness of seeing them at the Altar. I greatly regretted being deprived of this joy. Yet God went beyond my dream; I only asked for one brother who would remember me each day at the Holy …
Therese Martin (of Lisieux)—The Story of a Soul

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500
In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

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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