Psalms112

Psalm 112 extols the blessedness of the man who fears the LORD and delights greatly in His commandments. Such a righteous individual is promised prosperity, a mighty lineage, and light in darkness. He is characterized by grace, compassion, and generosity, remaining steadfast and trusting in the LORD. His righteousness endures forever, and his memory is everlasting, while the wicked ultimately perish.

The Blessedness of Fearing the Lord

1
Halleluyah! How happy is anyone who fears ADONAI, who greatly delights in his mitzvot. ​

Rewards for the Upright and Their Descendants

2
His descendants will be powerful on earth, a blessed generation of upright people.
3
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness stands forever. ​

Character of the Compassionate Man

4
To the upright he shines like a light in the dark, merciful, compassionate and righteous. ​
5
Things go well with the person who is merciful and lends, who conducts his affairs with fairness; ​

Security and Undying Remembrance

6
for he will never be moved. The righteous will be remembered forever. ​
7
He will not be frightened by bad news; he remains steady, trusting in ADONAI. ​
8
His heart is set firm, he will not be afraid, till finally he looks in triumph at his enemies.
9
He distributes freely, he gives to the poor; his righteousness stands forever. His power will be increased honorably. ​

The Ultimate Fate of the Wicked

10
The wicked will be angry when they see this; they will gnash their teeth and waste away, the desires of the wicked will come to nothing. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 112

Verse 1

This psalm is an acrostic (like Ps 111), structured as a hymn of praise (Hallelujah) focused on the moral character and resulting rewards of the faithful.

Verse 3

While material blessing is often a result of godly wisdom and diligence, the lasting reward is the 'righteousness [that] endureth forever,' emphasizing eternal reputation over temporal wealth.

Verse 4

The 'light in the darkness' suggests divine intervention, but also reflects that the righteous man himself becomes a source of moral light (grace and compassion) to others in need.

Verse 5

The good man manages his affairs ('guide his affairs with discretion') not only with financial prudence but also with moral integrity, ensuring his generosity is sustainable and wise.

Verse 6

To 'not be moved forever' and achieve 'everlasting remembrance' means his reputation and moral legacy will persist, contrasting with the temporary success and ultimate oblivion of the ungodly.

Verse 7

The righteous man is protected from crippling fear because his 'heart is fixed' (steadfast, prepared), rooted in deep, active trust in the Lord rather than changing circumstances.

Verse 9

This verse, emphasizing radical generosity, is quoted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:9 when discussing Christian giving. The 'horn shall be exalted' symbolizes strength, dignity, and honor granted by God.

Verse 10

This concluding verse serves as the final contrast, showing that the ultimate fate of the wicked is frustration and self-destruction, confirming the superior path of righteousness.

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