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Commentary on Psalms 112 verses 6–10
In these verses we have,
I. The satisfaction of saints, and their stability. It is the happiness of a good man that he shall not be moved for ever, Psa 112:6. Satan and his instruments endeavour to move him, but his foundation is firm and he shall never be moved, at least not moved for ever; if he be shaken for a time, yet he settles again quickly.
1.A good man will have a settled reputation, and that is a great satisfaction. A good man shall have a good name, a name for good things, with God and good people: The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance (Psa 112:6); in this sense his righteousness (the memorial of it) endures for ever, Psa 112:9. There are those that do all they can to sully his reputation and to load him with reproach; but his integrity shall be cleared up, and the honour of it shall survive him. Some that have been eminently righteous are had in a lasting remembrance on earth; wherever the scripture is read their good deeds are told for a memorial of them. And the memory of many a good man that is dead and gone is still blessed; but in heaven their remembrance shall be truly everlasting, and the honour of their righteousness shall there endure for ever, with the reward of it, in the crown of glory that fades not away. Those that are forgotten on earth, and despised, are remembered there, and honoured, and their righteousness found unto praise, and honour, and glory (Pe1 1:7); then, at furthest, shall the horn of a good man be exalted with honour, as that of the unicorn when he is a conqueror. Wicked men, now in their pride, lift up their horns on high, but they shall all be cut off, Psa 75:5, Psa 75:10. The godly, in their humility and humiliation, have defiled their horn in the dust (Job 16:15); but the day is coming when it shall be exalted with honour. That which shall especially turn to the honour of good men is their liberality and bounty to the poor: He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; he has not suffered his charity to run all in one channel, or directed it to some few objects that he had a particular kindness for, but he has dispersed it, given a portion to seven and also to eight, has sown beside all waters, and by thus scattering he has increased: and this is his righteousness, which endures for ever. Alms are called righteousness, not because they will justify us by making atonement for our evil deeds, but because they are good deeds, which we are bound to perform; so that if we are not charitable we are not just; we withhold good from those to whom it is due. The honour of this endures for ever, for it shall be taken notice of in the great day. I was hungry, and you gave me meat. This is quoted as an inducement and encouragement to charity, Co2 9:9.
2.A good man shall have a settled spirit, and that is a much greater satisfaction than the former; for so shall a man have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Surely he shall not be moved, whatever happens, not moved either from his duty or from his comfort; for he shall not be afraid; his heart is established, Psa 112:7, Psa 112:8. This is a part both of the character and of the comfort of good people. It is their endeavour to keep their minds stayed upon God, and so to keep them calm, and easy, and undisturbed; and God has promised them both cause to do so and grace to do so. Observe, (1.) It is the duty and interest of the people of God not to be afraid of evil tidings, not to be afraid of hearing bad news; and, when they do, not to be put into confusion by it and into an amazing expectation of worse and worse, but whatever happens, whatever threatens, to be able to say, with blessed Paul, None of these things move me, neither will I fear, though the earth be removed, Psa 46:2. (2.) The fixedness of the heart is a sovereign remedy against the disquieting fear of evil tidings. If we keep our thoughts composed, and ourselves masters of them, our wills resigned to the holy will of God, our temper sedate, and our spirits even, under all the unevenness of Providence, we are well fortified against the agitations of the timorous. (3.) Trusting in the Lord is the best an surest way of fixing and establishing the heart. By faith we must cast anchor in the promise, in the word of God, and so return to him and repose in him as our rest. The heart of man cannot fix any where, to its satisfaction, but in the truth of God, and there it finds firm footing. (4.) Those whose hearts are established by faith will patiently wait till they have gained their point: He shall not be afraid, till he see his desire upon his enemies, that is, till he come to heaven, where he shall see Satan, and all his spiritual enemies, trodden under his feet, and, as Israel saw the Egyptians, dead on the sea-shore. Till he look upon his oppressors (so Dr. Hammond), till he behold them securely, and look boldly in their faces, as being now no longer under their power. It will complete the satisfaction of the saints, when they shall look back upon their troubles and pressures, and be able to say with St. Paul, when he had recounted the persecutions he endured (Ti2 3:11), But out of them all the Lord delivered me.
II. The vexation of sinners, Psa 112:10. Two things shall fret them: - 1. The felicity of the righteous: The wicked shall see the righteous in prosperity and honour and shall be grieved. It will vex them to see their innocency cleared and their low estate regarded, and those whom they hated and despised, and whose ruin they sought and hoped to see, the favourites of Heaven, and advanced to have dominion over them (Psa 49:14); this will make them gnash with their teeth and pine away. This is often fulfilled in this world. The happiness of the saints is the envy of the wicked, and that envy is the rottenness of their bones. But it will most fully be accomplished in the other world, when it shall make damned sinners gnash with their teeth, to see Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in him bosom, to see all the prophets in the kingdom of God and themselves thrust out. 2. Their own disappointment: The desire of the wicked shall perish. Their desire was wholly to the world and the flesh, and they ruled over them; and therefore, when these perish, their joy is gone, and their expectations from them are cut off, to their everlasting confusion; their hope is as a spider's web.
However, in my opinion, he who possesses things of higher value is the one, and the only one, who is truly wealthy, without passing for such. A gem is not worth much, nor is silver, nor clothes nor beauty of body; but virtue is, because it is reason translated into deeds under the guidance of the Educator [Christ]. This is reason forbidding luxuriousness, stimulating independent service of self and singing the praises of frugality, offspring of self-control. “Receive instruction,” Scripture says, “and not money, and choose knowledge rather than gold. For wisdom is better than precious stones, and all that is priceless cannot be compared with it.” And, again, “My fruit is better than gold and precious stone and silver; and my blossoms than choice silver.” If we must make distinctions, let the person with a fortune be considered the wealthy one, loaded down as he is with gold like a dingy purse; but the holy one is the discreet one, for discretion is the quality that maintains a properly balanced moderation between spending and giving. “Some distribute their own goods,” it is written, “and become richer.” Of such people, Scripture says, “He has distributed, he has given to the poor; his justice remains forever.” Therefore, it is not he who possesses and retains his wealth who is wealthy but he who gives; it is giving, not receiving, that reveals the happy person. Generosity is a product of the soul; so, true wealth is in the soul.
Who, more than she [Gregory’s sister], threw open her house, with a courteous and generous welcome to those who live according to God? And, better still, who received them with such modesty or advanced to meet them in a manner so pleasing to God? Further, who displayed a mind more tranquil in misfortune or a heart more sympathetic to those in distress? Who was more liberal to those in want? I would not hesitate to praise her in the words of Job: “Her door was open to every traveler, the stranger did not stay without.” “She was an eye to the blind, and a foot to the lame and a mother to orphans.” Of her compassion toward widows, what more need I say than that she received as its fruit never to be called a widow herself? Her house was a common hospice for all her needy relatives, and her goods were as common to all the needy as their own personal belongings. “She has distributed, she has given to the poor.” Because of the infallible truth of the divine promise, she stored up many treasures in the heavenly coffers and often received Christ himself in the person of the many to whom she had shown kindness. Best of all, she was more truly what she was than she appeared to be, and in secret she cultivated piety for him who sees secret things. She snatched everything from the prince of this world, and she transferred it to safe storehouses. She left nothing behind to earth except her body. She exchanged all things for the hopes above. The only riches she left to her children were imitation of her example and emulation of her virtues. ON HIS SISTER ST.
There are many people even today who in imitation of them want to be remembered for such achievements, by building splendid homes, baths, porches and avenues. I mean, if you were to ask each of them why they toil and labor and lay out such great expense to no good purpose, you would hear nothing but these very words—so as to ensure their memory survives in perpetuity and to have it said that “this is the house belonging to so-and-so,” “this the property of so-and-so.” This, on the contrary, is worthy not of commemoration but of condemnation: hard on those words come other remarks equivalent to countless accusations—“belonging to so-and-so the grasping miser, despoiler of widows and orphans.” So such behavior is calculated not to earn remembrance but to encounter unremitting accusations, achieve notoriety after death and incite the tongues of onlookers to calumny and condemnation of the person who acquired these goods. But if you are quite anxious for undying reputation, I will show you the way to succeed in being remembered for every achievement and also, along with an excellent name, to provide yourself with great confidence in the age to come. How, then, will you manage both to be remembered day after day and also become the recipient of tributes even after passing from one life to the next? If you give away these goods of yours into the hands of the poor, letting go of precious stones, magnificent homes, properties and baths. This is undying reputation; this remembrance proves that you are a provider of countless treasures; this remembrance relieves you of the burden of sins and procures for you great confidence with the Lord. After all, consider, I ask you, even the very words everybody would be likely to say about the dispenser of such largesse—so generous and kind, so gentle and good. Scripture says, remember, “He distributed his goods as gifts to the poor; his righteousness lasts forever.” That, after all, is what material wealth is like: the more it is given away, the more it remains, whereas if it is clung to and locked up in safe keeping, it destroys even the people who cling to it. “He distributed his goods as gifts to the poor,” it says, remember. But listen to what follows as well: “His righteousness lasts forever.” It took one day for him to distribute his wealth, and his goodness continues for all time and earns an undying remembrance.
He therefore who does these things, "shall guide his words with discretion." His deeds themselves are the words whereby he shall be defended at the Judgment; which shall not be without mercy unto him, since he has himself shown mercy. "For he shall never be moved" [Psalm 112:6]: he who, called to the right hand, shall hear these words, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." For no works of theirs, save works of mercy, are there mentioned. He therefore shall hear, "Come, you blessed of My Father;" for, "the generation of the right ones shall be blessed." Thus, "the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance."
So "the just person will be remembered forever; and he will not be afraid of an evil hearing." The judge is coming, you see, of the living and the dead, as we read in the Gospel. And it is true; since in fact the things we now see had not yet occurred, when it was foretold they would happen. The fact that you can now see the name of Christ being proclaimed throughout all nations, people converted to the one God, idols being forsaken, temples pulled down, images smashed; none of these things had yet happened, and yet they were spoken of, and now they can be seen. So in the Scriptures in which these things we can now see were written about (they were written, though, at a time when they could not be seen, but they were being promised for the future), in the very same Scriptures we read of what has not yet come about. I mean, the day of judgment has not yet come, the resurrection of the dead has not yet happened, the one who is going to judge has not yet come, who came the first time to be judged.
Today we are celebrating the memory of a just man. So in this sermon that I owe your graces in carrying out my ministry, I must say something about what we have been singing to the Lord with full and harmonious hearts and voices: "The just person will be held in eternal memory, he will not be afraid of an evil hearing." The psalm, clearly, was read in order to remind us what good purpose is served by this sort of solemn celebration. The reason, you see, that holy church celebrates every year the anniversary of the last days of the just and holy people who have departed from this world is not thereby to increase the honor enjoyed by these just persons but to set before us an example to be imitated.
For our part, beloved brothers, when we recognize our kind Redeemer and reflect on our price, let us not love “the world or the things that are in the world”; but according to the apostle, “having food and sufficient clothing, with these let us be content.” Let us seek the use of what is necessary but not have greedy desires. If we lack riches, let us not seek them in the world by evil deeds or unjust gains. However, if we have them, let us transmit them to heaven by good works, so that there may be fulfilled in us what is written: “Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever”; with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 112:6 offers a profound and unwavering assurance to the righteous, declaring their steadfastness against life's adversities and their enduring legacy. This verse highlights that the individual who lives in accordance with God's will, characterized by integrity and compassion, will remain spiritually unshakeable and will be honored with a perpetual remembrance that transcends fleeting human memory, rooted instead in God's eternal recognition and active preservation of their life and deeds.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 112:6 employs several literary devices to enhance its profound message. Synonymous Parallelism is prominently featured, where the second clause ("the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance") echoes, reinforces, and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("Surely he shall not be moved for ever"). Both clauses speak to the enduring security and lasting legacy of the righteous, with "not being moved" implying steadfastness and "everlasting remembrance" signifying perpetual honor and impact. The phrase "shall not be moved for ever" also functions as Figurative Language or Metaphor, as it does not imply physical immobility but rather spiritual, moral, and existential stability in the face of life's vicissitudes and trials. Similarly, "everlasting remembrance" is a form of Figurative Language or even Hyperbole, emphasizing the profound and enduring nature of divine recognition and the lasting impact of a righteous life, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of human fame. Implicitly, the psalm uses Contrast by highlighting the blessings and secure future of the righteous, which inherently sets them apart from the fate of the wicked, whose memory often perishes, as seen in other wisdom texts like Proverbs 10:7.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as a faithful and just rewarder, a preserver of His covenant people. It affirms that a life lived in alignment with divine wisdom is not in vain but is eternally valued and secured by God Himself. True stability, therefore, is not found in earthly possessions, fleeting circumstances, or human accolades, but in one's relationship with the sovereign Lord and adherence to His ways. The "everlasting remembrance" speaks to God's meticulous care for His faithful ones, ensuring their deeds and character are preserved and honored in His divine memory, providing profound comfort and motivation for believers to pursue righteousness, knowing their efforts are seen and secured by an eternal God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 112:6 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to intentional, God-centered living for believers today. In a world characterized by constant flux, economic uncertainty, social upheaval, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting recognition, this verse redirects our focus to what truly endures: a life rooted in God's righteousness. It challenges us to build our lives on an unshakeable foundation—the fear of the Lord and delight in His commandments—rather than on transient successes, human approval, or worldly security. The promise of "everlasting remembrance" reminds us that our acts of integrity, compassion, generosity, and faithful obedience, even if unnoticed or uncelebrated by the world, are profoundly significant in God's eternal ledger. This liberating truth frees us from the pressure of seeking worldly fame or validation and empowers us to live authentically for an audience of One, knowing that our true legacy is secured in Him, impacting not just our present but extending into eternity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "he shall not be moved for ever" mean the righteous will never face difficulties or suffering?
Answer: No, this promise does not guarantee an absence of earthly troubles, physical pain, emotional distress, or even persecution. Instead, "not be moved" refers to an inner, spiritual, and existential stability. It means the righteous person's faith, character, and ultimate standing with God will remain firm and unshakeable, even amidst severe trials. Their foundation is secure in the Lord, preventing them from being utterly overthrown, dislodged from their hope, or abandoning their trust in God, much like a house built on a rock that steadfastly withstands storms and floods. This promise speaks to an ultimate, divinely sustained resilience.
What kind of "remembrance" is implied by "everlasting remembrance"? Is it just human memory?
Answer: "Everlasting remembrance" (Hebrew: zikron olam) is far more profound than mere human memory, which is fallible, fades with time, and is limited by mortality. It primarily signifies a divine remembrance and recognition. It means that the righteous person's life, deeds, and character are eternally valued and preserved in God's sight. This divine remembrance ensures a lasting impact and honor that transcends generations and even death itself. It implies that their good works and faithful living are not forgotten by God and will have an enduring spiritual legacy, often manifesting in the lives of others and in the eternal kingdom, as seen in Revelation 14:13, which states that the works of the faithful "do follow them".
How does one become "the righteous" described in this psalm?
Answer: Psalm 112 itself provides the foundational answer in its opening verse: "Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments" (Psalms 112:1). Becoming "the righteous" is not achieved through perfect human performance, but through a reverent awe of God (the fear of the Lord) that leads to a joyful and obedient alignment with His revealed will. It is a life characterized by integrity, compassion, and generosity, as outlined in the subsequent verses of the psalm. Ultimately, in a New Testament context, true righteousness is not self-generated but is imputed through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22), enabling believers to then live out practical righteousness empowered by the Holy Spirit and in conformity to Christ's character (Galatians 5:22-23).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous one. He is the quintessential "man that feareth the LORD" (Psalms 112:1), who delighted perfectly in His Father's commandments, even to the point of sacrificial death on the cross (John 14:31). The promise that "Surely he shall not be moved for ever" is supremely true of Christ; He is the unshakeable foundation, the cornerstone upon whom the church is built (Ephesians 2:20), eternally steadfast and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8). Though He endured the cross and death, He was not ultimately "moved" or overcome by the grave, but rose triumphantly, conquering sin and death forever (Acts 2:24). Furthermore, the promise that "the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance" is perfectly realized in Jesus. His name is above every name (Philippians 2:9), His once-for-all sacrifice is an eternal memorial that perfects forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:12-14), and His reign is forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). Believers, united with Christ through faith, partake in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) and thus share in His unshakeable security and everlasting remembrance. Our eternal standing is not based on our own fleeting righteousness, but on His perfect and enduring work, ensuring that we too, in Him, "shall not be moved for ever" and are held in God's eternal, loving remembrance (John 10:28).