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Commentary on Psalms 112 verses 1–5
The psalmist begins with a call to us to praise God, but immediately applies himself to praise the people of God; for whatever glory is acknowledged to be on them it comes from God, and must return to him; as he is their praise, so they are his. We have reason to praise the Lord that there are a people in the world who fear him and serve him, and that they are a happy people, both which are owing entirely to the grace of God. Now here we have,
I. A description of those who are here pronounced blessed, and to whom these promises are made.
1.They are well-principled with pious and devout affections. Those have the privileges of God's subjects, not who cry, Lord, Lord, but who are indeed well affected to his government. (1.) They are such as stand in awe of God and have a constant reverence for his majesty and deference to his will. The happy man is he that fears the Lord, Psa 112:1. (2.) They are such as take a pleasure in their duty. He that fears the Lord, as a Father, with the disposition of a child, not of a slave, delights greatly in his commandments, is well pleased with them and with the equity and goodness of them; they are written in his heart; it is his choice to be under them, and he calls them an easy, a pleasant, yoke; it is his delight to be searching into and conversing with God's commandments, by reading, hearing, and meditation, Psa 1:2. He delights not only in God's promises, but in his precepts, and thinks himself happy under God's government as well as in his favour. It is a pleasure to him to be found in the way of his duty, and he is in his element when he is in the service of God. Herein he delights greatly, more than in any of the employments and enjoyments of this world. And what he does in religion is done from principle, because he sees amiableness in religion and advantage by it.
2.They are honest and sincere in their professions and intentions. They are called the upright (Psa 112:2, Psa 112:4), who are really as good as they seem to be, and deal faithfully both with God and man. There is no true religion without sincerity; that is gospel-perfection.
3.They are both just and kind in all their dealings: He is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous (Psa 112:4), dares not do any wrong to any man, but does to every man all the good he can, and that from a principle of compassion and kindness. It was said of God, in the foregoing psalm (Psa 112:4), He is gracious, and full of compassion; and here it is said of the good man that he is so; for herein we must be followers of God as dear children; be merciful as he is. He is full of compassion, and yet righteous; what he does good with is what he came honestly by. God hates robbery for burnt-offerings, and so does he. One instance is given of his beneficence (Psa 112:5): He shows favour and lends. Sometimes there is as much charity in lending as in giving, as it obliges the borrower both to industry and honesty. He is gracious and lends (Psa 37:26); he does it from a right principle, not as the usurer lends for his own advantage, nor merely out of generosity, but out of pure charity; he does it in a right manner, not grudgingly, but pleasantly, and with a cheerful countenance.
II. The blessedness that is here entailed upon those that answer to these characters. Happiness, all happiness, to the man that feareth the Lord. Whatever men think or say of them, God says that they are blessed; and his saying so makes them so.
1.The posterity of good men shall fare the better for his goodness (Psa 112:2): His seed shall be mighty on earth. Perhaps he himself shall not be so great in the world, nor make such a figure, as his seed after him shall for his sake. Religion has been the raising of many a family, if not so as to advance it high, yet so as to fix it firmly. When good men themselves are happy in heaven their seed perhaps are considerable on earth, and will themselves own that it is by virtue of a blessing descending from them. The generation of the upright shall be blessed; if they tread in their steps, they shall be the more blessed for their relation to them, beloved for the Father's sake (Rom 11:28), for so runs the covenant - I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed; while the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned. Let the children of godly parents value themselves upon it, and take heed of doing any thing to forfeit the blessing entailed upon the generation of the upright.
2.They shall prosper in the world, and especially their souls shall prosper, Psa 112:3. (1.) They shall be blessed with outward prosperity as far as is good for them: Wealth and riches shall be in the upright man's house, not in his heart (for he is none of those in whom the love of money reigns), perhaps not so much in his hand (for he only begins to raise the estate), but in his house; his family shall grow rich when he is gone. But, (2.) That which is much better is that they shall be blessed with spiritual blessings, which are the true riches. His wealth shall be in his house, for he must leave that to others; but his righteousness he himself shall have the comfort of to himself, it endures for ever. Grace is better than gold, for it will outlast it. He shall have wealth and riches, and yet shall keep up his religion, and in a prosperous condition shall still hold fast his integrity, which many, who kept it in the storm, throw off and let go in the sunshine. Then worldly prosperity is a blessing when it does not make men cool in their piety, but they still persevere in that; and when this endures in the family, and goes along with the wealth and riches, and the heirs of the father's estate inherit his virtues too, that is a happy family indeed. However, the good man's righteousness endures for ever in the crown of righteousness which fades not away.
3.They shall have comfort in affliction (Psa 112:4): Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. It is here implied that good men may be in affliction; the promise does not exempt them from that. They shall have their share in the common calamities of human life; but, when they sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to them, Mic 7:8. They shall be supported and comforted under their troubles; their spirits shall be lightsome when their outward condition is clouded. Sat lucis intus - There is light enough within. During the Egyptian darkness the Israelites had light in their dwellings. They shall be in due time, and perhaps when they least expect it, delivered out of their troubles; when the night is darkest the day dawns; nay, at evening-time, when night was looked for, it shall be light.
4.They shall have wisdom for the management of all their concerns, Psa 112:5. He that does good with his estate shall, through the providence of God, increase it, not by miracle, but by his prudence: He shall guide his affairs with discretion, and his God instructs him to discretion and teaches him, Isa 28:26. It is part of the character of a good man that he will use his discretion in managing his affairs, in getting and saving, that he may have to give. It may be understood of the affairs of his charity: He shows favour and lends; but then it is with discretion, that his charity may not be misplaced, that he may give to proper objects what is proper to be given and in due time and proportion. And it is part of the promise to him who thus uses discretion that God will give him more. Those who most use their wisdom see most of their need of it, and ask it of God, who has promised to give it liberally, Jam 1:5. He will guide his words with judgment (so it is in the original); and there is nothing in which we have more occasion for wisdom than in the government of the tongue; blessed is he to whom God gives that wisdom.
I have heard about the death of the blessed Theodorus, and the news caused me great anxiety, knowing as I did his value to you. Now if it had not been Theodorus, I would have spoken to you at greater length, with tears, considering what follows after death. But since it is Theodorus whom you and I have known, what need I say in my letter except “Blessed is” Theodorus, “who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly”? But if “he is blessed who fears the Lord,” we may now confidently call Theodorus blessed, having the firm assurance that he has reached as it were a haven and has a life without care. Would that the same had also befallen each one of us; would that each of us in his running might thus arrive; would that each of us, on his voyage, might anchor his own ship there in the stormless haven, so that, at rest with the fathers, he might say, “here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.” Wherefore, brother beloved and most longed for, weep not for Theodorus, for he “is not dead but is sleeping.”
Let no one think that this was said only recently and that it was spoken of by the philosophers before it was mentioned in the gospel. For the philosophers, that is to say, Aristotle and Theophrastus, as also Zeno and Hieronymus, certainly lived before the time of the gospel, but they came after the prophets. Let them rather think how long before even the names of the philosophers were heard of, both of these [Aristotle and Theophrastus] seem to have found open expression through the mouth of the holy David; for it is written, “Blessed is the man whom you instruct, O Lord, and teach him out of your law.” We find elsewhere also, “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, he will rejoice greatly in his commandments.” We have proved our point as regards knowledge, the reward for which the prophet states to be the fruit of eternity, adding that in the house of the one who fears the Lord or is instructed in his law and rejoices greatly in the divine commandments “is glory and riches; and his justice abides for ever and ever.” He has further also in the same psalm made statements about good works, that they gain for an upright man the gift of eternal life. He speaks thus: “Blessed is the man who shows pity and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion, surely he shall not be moved for ever, the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” And further, “He has dispersed, he has given to the poor, his justice endures forever.”
"Glory and riches shall be in his house" [Psalm 112:3]. For his house is his heart; where, with the praise of God, he lives in greater riches with the hope of eternal life, than with men flattering, in palaces of marble, with splendidly adorned ceilings, with the fear of everlasting death. "For his righteousness endures for ever:" this is his glory, there are his riches. While the other's purple, and fine linen, and grand banquets, even when present, are passing away; and when they have come to an end, the burning tongue shall cry out, longing for a drop of water from the finger's end. [Luke 16:24]
“Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone around them.” What does it mean that, as the angel was appearing to the shepherds, the splendor of divine brightness also enclosed them, something that we have never discovered in the whole course of the Old Testament? Though in countless cases angels appeared to prophets and just people, nowhere do we read of angels enclosing the human beings with the brightness of divine light. [Why is this], unless it is because the privilege was properly kept for the dignity of this time? For when the true Light of the world was born in the world, it was unquestionably fitting that the herald of his nativity should also bathe the bodily sight of human beings with the freshness of heavenly light. Now the prophet says concerning his nativity, “A light has arisen in the darkness for those who are righteous in heart.” And as though we were asking what the light was to which he refers, he immediately goes on, “He is a merciful and compassionate and just Lord.” Therefore, when the merciful and just Maker and Redeemer of the human race deigned to illuminate the world by the glory of a wondrous nativity, it was entirely proper that the brightness of a wondrous light should fill that very region in which he was born.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 112:3 beautifully articulates the comprehensive blessings bestowed upon the righteous, declaring, "Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever." This verse presents a holistic vision of flourishing, where tangible provision and an enduring moral character are intertwined as divine gifts. It posits that true prosperity, from a biblical perspective, encompasses not only material well-being but, more significantly, an imperishable integrity that establishes a lasting legacy in alignment with God's eternal will.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning. Parallelism is prominently featured, specifically synthetic parallelism, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Wealth and riches" are presented in the first clause, while "righteousness" is the focus of the second, with "in his house" contrasted with "endureth for ever." This creates a powerful juxtaposition, highlighting both the temporal and eternal aspects of divine blessing. The use of Hyperbole or Generalization might be present in the promise of "wealth and riches," as it articulates a general principle of divine favor rather than an absolute, unconditional guarantee for every individual in every circumstance. The phrase "endureth for ever" is an example of Emphasis, underscoring the permanence and ultimate value of righteousness over fleeting material gain. The overall tone is one of Didacticism, characteristic of wisdom literature, instructing the reader on the nature of true prosperity and the lasting rewards of a godly life.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 112:3 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true prosperity, seamlessly integrating material provision with spiritual integrity. It masterfully challenges the common human tendency to prioritize fleeting earthly gains over enduring character. The verse teaches that while God may indeed bless His faithful with material resources, the ultimate and most valuable blessing is a righteousness that stands the test of time and leaves an eternal legacy. This aligns perfectly with the biblical principle that God is the benevolent source of all blessings, both temporal and eternal, and that His desire is for His people to flourish holistically, not merely materially. The enduring righteousness spoken of here is not solely a product of human effort but is fundamentally a reflection of God's own character, which He graciously imparts to those who walk in His ways, enabling them to reflect His justice and goodness in the world.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 112:3 invites us to critically examine our personal understanding of "wealth" and "riches." In a world often consumed by the relentless pursuit of material accumulation, this verse profoundly reorients our perspective, reminding us that while God can and often does bless materially, the true and lasting treasure is an enduring righteousness. It challenges us to actively pursue a life characterized by integrity, justice, and unwavering faithfulness, recognizing that these spiritual qualities yield a legacy far more valuable and impactful than any earthly possession. This does not negate the importance of responsible stewardship of the resources God entrusts to us, but it unequivocally prioritizes character and spiritual well-being as the foundational elements of genuine, God-honoring flourishing. A life deeply rooted in righteousness will not only experience God's faithful provision but will also leave an indelible mark of goodness, integrity, and divine favor on future generations, powerfully reflecting God's own enduring character in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse promise material wealth to every believer?
Answer: While Psalms 112:3 states that "Wealth and riches shall be in his house," it's crucial to interpret this within the broader biblical context and the nature of wisdom literature. This verse presents a general principle of divine blessing rather than an absolute, unconditional promise of opulent material abundance for every individual in every circumstance. The "wealth and riches" can encompass a broader sense of well-being, security, and provision, including good health, strong relationships, and peace of mind, not solely vast financial assets. More importantly, the verse immediately balances this with "and his righteousness endureth for ever," emphasizing that the lasting and most valuable "treasure" is character and integrity. The Bible teaches that God provides for His people, but not all believers will experience the same level of material prosperity, and some may even face hardship and persecution for their faith, as vividly illustrated in the experiences of figures like the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). True biblical prosperity is holistic, encompassing spiritual peace, strong relationships, a clear conscience, and God's faithful provision for genuine needs, all rooted in an enduring relationship with Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:3 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment not merely in the righteous individual, but supremely in Jesus Christ. While the psalm extols the blessedness of the one who fears the Lord, it points forward to the one truly Righteous One, Jesus, in whom all righteousness dwells perfectly and from whom it eternally flows. He is the only one whose "righteousness endureth for ever" in an absolute, inherent, and unblemished sense, not merely as a human striving but as an intrinsic divine attribute. In Christ, we discover the ultimate "wealth and riches"—not in earthly possessions, but in the boundless spiritual blessings of His eternal kingdom. For in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Through His perfectly righteous life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Christ secured an eternal inheritance for all who place their faith in Him—an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4). Our "righteousness" before God is not our own flawed efforts, but Christ's perfect righteousness, graciously imputed to us by faith (Philippians 3:9). Thus, the promise of enduring righteousness and true wealth is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). He is the true "house" in whom all blessings reside, and His righteousness truly endures forever, granting us access to an eternal, unfathomable abundance that transcends all earthly measures.