Psalms 112:3

KJV

Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wealth {H1952} and riches {H6239} shall be in his house {H1004}: and his righteousness {H6666} endureth {H5975} for ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness stands forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

American Standard Version

Wealth and riches are in his house; And his righteousness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 112 is a wisdom psalm, forming a complementary pair with [Psalms 111](/psalms/111 "Psalms 111 - Praise for God's Works"). While [Psalms 111](/psalms/111 "The Greatness of the Lord") extols the character and works of Yahweh, [Psalms 112](/psalms/112 "The Blessedness of the Righteous") shifts focus to the blessedness of the person who reveres the Lord, reflecting God's attributes in human conduct. The psalm commences by proclaiming the blessedness of the one who "feareth the LORD" and "delighteth greatly in his commandments" ([Psalms 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalms 112:1 - The Blessedness of the God-Fearing")). It then systematically delineates the characteristics and rewards of such an individual, including the strength of their offspring ([Psalms 112:2](/psalms/112-2 "Psalms 112:2 - The Strength of the Righteous Offspring")), their generosity, and their steadfastness amidst adversity, culminating in a stark contrast with the wicked in the concluding verses ([Psalms 112:10](/psalms/112-10 "Psalms 112:10 - The Despair of the Wicked")). Verse 3 serves as a foundational declaration of the comprehensive blessings that underpin the subsequent descriptions of the righteous individual's life and influence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during or after the post-exilic period, Psalms 112 is deeply rooted in the ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, which sought to articulate the principles of a well-ordered life lived in covenant with God. In an agrarian society, "wealth and riches" would have primarily denoted tangible blessings such as abundant harvests, healthy livestock, numerous and strong offspring, and secure dwellings—all potent symbols of divine favor, stability, and generational continuity. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: `tsedaqah`) was central to the Israelite understanding of covenant faithfulness, encompassing not merely personal piety but also social justice, integrity in all dealings, and compassionate care for the vulnerable. Unlike pagan societies where prosperity was often attributed to capricious deities or mere fate, Israelite wisdom explicitly linked blessing directly to ethical conduct and unwavering devotion to Yahweh. The enduring nature of righteousness would have resonated profoundly in a culture that highly valued legacy, reputation, and the transmission of values through generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Holistic Prosperity**, challenging a purely materialistic worldview by linking material abundance to moral uprightness. It suggests that God's favor can manifest in tangible ways, providing for the needs of His faithful servants, often enabling them to be conduits of blessing to others, as evidenced by the call to generosity throughout the psalm ([Psalms 112:5](/psalms/112-5 "Psalms 112:5 - The Graciousness of the Righteous")). Secondly, it highlights **Enduring Righteousness as True Legacy**. The emphasis on righteousness enduring "for ever" elevates character above fleeting possessions, aligning with the consistent teaching of wisdom literature that a good name and a just life are infinitely more valuable than great riches ([Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name Is More Desirable Than Great Riches")). This theme foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on storing up imperishable treasures in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth")). Finally, the verse touches upon the theme of **God's Moral Order and Justice**, demonstrating that the universe is structured in such a way that obedience to God's commands generally leads to flourishing, while rebellion leads to decay—a fundamental principle reiterated throughout the Old Testament wisdom tradition, particularly in books like [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wealth (Hebrew, _hôwn'_):** This term (H1952) refers to material possessions, substance, or resources. It encompasses a broad range of assets, including money, property, and valuable goods. In the context of ancient Israel, it would denote security, abundance, and the means to live comfortably and provide for one's family and community. It signifies a state of being well-resourced, enabling the individual to be generous and stable.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _ʻôsher'_):** Similar to "wealth," this term (H6239) specifically denotes abundance, affluence, or prosperity. Often used in parallel with `hôwn`, it reinforces the idea of plentiful resources and a flourishing state. The pairing of these two terms emphasizes a comprehensive material well-being, suggesting not merely subsistence but a surplus that allows for acts of benevolence.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This crucial term (H6666) signifies conformity to a divine standard, justice, moral uprightness, and integrity. It is a relational term, describing a right standing with God and right conduct towards others, particularly in social and ethical spheres. Unlike a mere legalistic adherence to rules, `tsᵉdâqâh` implies a holistic ethical life characterized by fairness, compassion, and faithfulness to covenant obligations. Its enduring nature is central to the verse's message, highlighting its eternal value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house":** This clause speaks to the tangible, material blessings that often accompany a life lived in accordance with God's will. "In his house" signifies not just personal possession but also the well-being, security, and provision for one's entire household and lineage. It suggests a stable and prosperous domestic sphere, where needs are met and resources are available. This is not a universal promise of opulent wealth for every believer in every circumstance, but rather an affirmation that God provides for His faithful, and that material blessing can be a natural outflow of living righteously, often enabling generosity and stability for others.
* **"and his righteousness endureth for ever":** This second clause provides the crucial balance and eternal perspective. While material blessings are temporal and subject to decay, the character of righteousness—the integrity, justice, and moral uprightness of the individual—is presented as having eternal value and lasting impact. "Endureth for ever" implies that the legacy of a righteous life, its influence, its reputation, and its spiritual fruit, transcends the lifespan of the individual and outlasts any material possession. It is the true, imperishable treasure and the foundation of lasting favor from God, extending its benefits to future generations.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 8:18](/proverbs/8-18 "Riches and Honor are with Wisdom")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")

### 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
* **How does my personal definition of "wealth" align with or diverge from the holistic perspective presented in Psalms 112:3, which balances material provision with enduring righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize the cultivation of enduring righteousness over the pursuit of fleeting material gains in my daily decisions and long-term aspirations?**
* **In what tangible ways can my "righteousness" (my character, ethical actions, and faithful living) leave a lasting, positive legacy for my family, community, and future generations?**

### 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](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ")). 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](/colossians/2-3 "Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")). 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](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")). Our "righteousness" before God is not our own flawed efforts, but Christ's perfect righteousness, graciously imputed to us by faith ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). 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](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:6

¶ In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Proverbs 3:16

Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Isaiah 33:6

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.