Psalm 112:3
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Wealth and riches
The Hebrew words for "wealth" (חֹסֶן, "ḥosen") and "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, "osher") convey a sense of abundance and prosperity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these terms often referred to material possessions, livestock, and land, which were seen as blessings from God. Theologically, this phrase underscores the belief that God rewards the righteous with material blessings. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, it is important to understand that true wealth is not merely material but also spiritual, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's will.

are in his house
The phrase "in his house" (בְּבֵיתוֹ, "beveito") suggests a sense of permanence and stability. In biblical times, a house was not just a physical structure but a symbol of one's family, legacy, and standing in the community. The presence of wealth and riches in one's house indicates a lasting blessing that extends to one's family and descendants. This aligns with the biblical principle that the righteous leave an inheritance for their children, both materially and spiritually.

and his righteousness
The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צִדְקָתוֹ, "tsidkato") is deeply rooted in the concept of living in right relationship with God and others. It encompasses justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely about personal piety but also about social justice and caring for the needy. For conservative Christians, this highlights the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and commands.

endures forever
The phrase "endures forever" (עוֹמֶדֶת לָעַד, "omedet la'ad") emphasizes the eternal nature of true righteousness. While material wealth is temporary, the righteousness of a person has everlasting significance. This echoes the biblical teaching that what is done for God and in accordance with His will has eternal value. For believers, this serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual wealth over material gain, knowing that the former has lasting impact in the kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous Man
The primary subject of Psalm 112, representing those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments.

2. The House
Symbolic of the life and legacy of the righteous, encompassing both material and spiritual blessings.

3. Wealth and Riches
Denotes both material prosperity and spiritual abundance granted by God to the righteous.

4. Righteousness
The enduring quality of living in accordance with God's will, which is highlighted as eternal.

5. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, though the specific author of Psalm 112 is not definitively known.
Teaching Points
Understanding True Wealth
True wealth is not just material but includes spiritual richness and a legacy of righteousness.

The Endurance of Righteousness
Unlike material wealth, which can be fleeting, righteousness endures forever and is of eternal value.

God's Provision for the Righteous
God provides for those who fear Him and follow His commandments, ensuring both their needs and their spiritual growth are met.

Balancing Material and Spiritual Riches
While material wealth is a blessing, it should be used to further God's kingdom and reflect His righteousness.

Legacy of the Righteous
The righteous leave a lasting impact through their actions and faith, influencing future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Psalm 112:3 define wealth and riches, and how does this compare to contemporary views of wealth?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our righteousness endures forever, as mentioned in Psalm 112:3?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) in our daily financial decisions?

4. What are some practical ways to balance the pursuit of material wealth with the pursuit of spiritual richness?

5. How can the legacy of righteousness be cultivated and passed on to future generations according to biblical principles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 3:9-10
This passage speaks of honoring the Lord with wealth and the resulting blessings, paralleling the theme of material and spiritual prosperity.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all other needs will be provided, echoing the enduring righteousness and blessings of Psalm 112.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11
Paul discusses the sufficiency and abundance provided by God to those who are generous, aligning with the themes of wealth and righteousness in Psalm 112.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14
The blessings for obedience to God's commandments, including prosperity and enduring legacy, are detailed, similar to the promises in Psalm 112.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Paul advises the wealthy to be rich in good deeds, emphasizing the eternal value of righteousness over material wealth.
A Man's RighteousnessR. Tuck Psalm 112:3
Prosperity and its QualificationsJ. W. Burn.Psalm 112:3
Treasure in the HouseH. W. Beecher.Psalm 112:3
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abideth, Endures, Endureth, Forever, Merit, Riches, Righteousness, Standing, Store, Wealth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:3

     1125   God, righteousness
     1140   God, the eternal
     8701   affluence

Psalm 112:1-3

     5503   rich, the
     8780   materialism, and sin

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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