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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.
"His heart is established, and will not shrink, until he see beyond his enemies" [Psalm 112:8]. His enemies wished to see good things here, and when invisible blessings were promised them, used to say, "Who will show us any good?" Let our heart therefore be established, and shrink not, until we see beyond our enemies. For they wish to see good things of men in the land of the dying; we trust to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
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 112:8 profoundly articulates the inner fortitude and assured confidence of the righteous individual, whose life is characterized by reverence for the Lord and delight in His commandments. It declares that such a person possesses a heart so firmly grounded in divine trust that they remain unshaken by fear, patiently awaiting God's ultimate demonstration of justice and triumph over all opposition. This verse encapsulates the spiritual security and steadfastness that flow from a life lived in humble obedience and faith, promising an internal peace that transcends external circumstances and empowers resilience.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 112 stands as a wisdom psalm, often regarded as a chiastic or thematic counterpart to Psalms 111. While Psalms 111 extols the glorious works and righteous character of Yahweh, Psalms 112 meticulously describes the blessedness and attributes of the individual who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments, as introduced in Psalms 112:1. The psalm unfolds a portrait of the righteous person's prosperity, influence, and security, highlighting their generosity (Psalms 112:5) and unwavering integrity (Psalms 112:7). Verse 8 specifically highlights the internal resilience and confident expectation that define such a life, building upon these earlier descriptions and contrasting their steadfastness with the eventual downfall and despair of the wicked, a stark reality underscored in Psalms 112:10.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Psalms, as a collection, reflect a wide range of Israelite experiences, from individual laments and thanksgivings to communal worship. Wisdom psalms like Psalms 112 often draw upon the wisdom tradition found in books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the practical implications of covenant faithfulness. In ancient Israel, "fear of the Lord" was not terror, but reverential awe and submission to God's will, seen as the foundational principle of true wisdom and prosperity (Proverbs 1:7). The concept of "enemies" could refer to literal adversaries, those who opposed God's people, or even internal spiritual struggles. The expectation of seeing "desire upon his enemies" was not necessarily a call for personal vengeance, but a recognition of God's justice and vindication, a common theme in the Old Testament where God is seen as the ultimate judge who upholds the righteous and brings down the proud (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:35). This perspective rooted individual and communal security in divine faithfulness, not human might.
Key Themes: Psalms 112 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of Divine Blessing and Human Righteousness, illustrating that a life aligned with God's commands leads to stability, prosperity, and peace. This psalm meticulously outlines the characteristics of the righteous, including generosity (Psalms 112:5), integrity (Psalms 112:4), and steadfastness. Another prominent theme is Confidence in God's Sovereignty and Justice. The "established heart" and fearlessness of the righteous stem directly from their trust in God's ultimate control and His promise to vindicate His faithful ones. This confidence is not naive optimism but a deep theological conviction that God will ultimately set all things right, even when the wicked seem to prosper temporarily, as highlighted by the contrast with Psalms 112:10. Finally, the psalm underscores the theme of Inner Fortitude Amidst Adversity, demonstrating that true security is an internal state rooted in faith, rather than an external absence of trouble. The righteous person's stability allows them to navigate challenges without succumbing to fear, knowing that their ultimate hope rests in God's faithfulness.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 112:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with depth and impact. The phrase "His heart is established" utilizes Metonymy, where "heart" (lêb) stands for the entire inner person—their will, emotions, intellect, and core being. This emphasizes the deep, internal nature of the righteous person's stability, showing it to be a holistic rather than superficial state. The subsequent declaration, "he shall not be afraid," functions as a clear Cause and Effect relationship, directly linking the established heart (cause) to the absence of fear (effect). This highlights the practical and liberating outcome of spiritual grounding. Furthermore, the entire verse, particularly the concluding phrase "until he see his desire upon his enemies," functions as a powerful Antithesis when read in the broader context of Psalms 112. It contrasts the steadfast, fear-free state of the righteous with the ultimate perishing of the wicked, whose "desire shall perish" (Psalms 112:10). This stark contrast underscores the enduring security of those who trust in the Lord.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 112:8 offers profound theological insights into the nature of the divine-human relationship and the outworking of faith. It posits that true security and fearlessness are not found in external circumstances or human strength, but in an internal disposition of trust and obedience to God. This "established heart" reflects a deep-seated theological conviction in God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and justice. The verse subtly teaches that the "fear of the Lord" (as introduced in Psalms 112:1) paradoxically leads to the absence of all other fears. It highlights the theme of divine vindication, assuring the righteous that God will ultimately set things right, even when faced with opposition. This patient expectation of God's justice is a hallmark of biblical faith, distinguishing it from human retaliation and fostering a confident endurance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often overt hostility towards faith, Psalms 112:8 serves as a powerful anchor for the soul. It calls believers to cultivate an "established heart"—a spirit deeply rooted in God's truth, promises, and unwavering character. This is not a passive state but an active choice to trust, to obey, and to find our security in Him alone. When our hearts are thus grounded, the anxieties and fears that plague so many lose their grip. We are empowered to face adversity, opposition, and even the schemes of enemies not with panic or despair, but with a serene confidence, knowing that our God is sovereign and just. This verse frees us from the burden of seeking personal revenge or striving to control outcomes, inviting us instead to patiently entrust our vindication to the Lord, who sees all and acts in His perfect timing. It reminds us that true blessedness is an internal reality, flowing from a life of reverent submission to God, which then manifests in an unshakeable peace and courage that testifies to His faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "see his desire upon his enemies" imply a desire for vengeance?
Answer: No, the phrase "see his desire upon his enemies" in Psalms 112:8 should not be interpreted as a call for personal vengeance or a malicious desire for the suffering of others. Rather, it refers to the righteous person witnessing God's ultimate vindication and the just outcome of divine judgment. In the biblical worldview, vengeance belongs to God alone (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). The "desire" here is for God's righteousness to prevail, for the schemes of the wicked to fail, and for justice to be served, which the righteous person, aligned with God's will, will observe. It speaks to the assurance that the Lord will ultimately set things right and that those who oppose His ways will not ultimately triumph.
How is "his heart is established" achieved?
Answer: An "established heart" is not something achieved by human effort or willpower alone, but is a divine work in response to human faith and obedience. Psalms 112:1 provides the foundation: it is the person who "feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." This reverential awe and joyful obedience to God's Word are the means by which a heart becomes grounded and stable. It involves consistently trusting in God's character and promises, meditating on His truth, and aligning one's life with His will. This process cultivates an inner peace and steadfastness that allows one to remain unshaken by fear or adversity, as seen in Isaiah 26:3, where perfect peace is promised to those whose mind is "stayed on thee."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 112:8 describes the blessedness of the righteous individual under the Old Covenant, its ultimate and fullest realization is found in Jesus Christ and those who are united with Him. Jesus perfectly embodied the "established heart"; His resolve was unwavering, even in the face of the cross (Luke 9:51). He "shall not be afraid" because He perfectly trusted His Father, even when facing the ultimate enemy, death (Hebrews 2:14-15). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His "desire upon his enemies"—sin, death, and the devil—being realized (Colossians 2:15). For believers, our "established heart" is no longer based on our imperfect obedience, but on our union with Christ. Through faith in Him, we are given His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), and His Spirit indwells us, providing the true source of inner stability and peace (John 14:27). We are called to "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). Our fearlessness is rooted in the finished work of Christ and the assurance that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Ultimately, we, too, will "see [our] desire upon [our] enemies" not through personal vengeance, but by participating in Christ's final victory when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).