TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 112:6–10. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. [Psalms 112:9] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
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.
But it is a great thing to have the heart established, and not to be moved, while they rejoice who love what they see, and mock at him who hopes for what he sees not; "what the Lord has prepared for them that love Him." [1 Corinthians 2:9] How great is the value of this which is not seen, and it is bought for so much as each man is able to give for it. On this account he also "dispersed abroad, and gave to the poor" [Psalm 112:9]: he saw not, yet he kept buying; but He was storing up the treasure in heaven, who deigned to hunger and thirst in the poor on earth. It is no wonder then if "his righteousness remains for ever:" He who created the ages being his guardian. "His horn," whose humility was scorned by the proud, "shall be exalted with honour."
So there is a good that can make [you] good, and there is a good with which you can do good. The good that makes [you] good is God, for only the one who is always good can make people good. In order that you, therefore, may be good, call on God. There is, however, another good with which you can do good, anything, that is, that you may have. It is gold, it is silver, it is good, not such that can make you good but such that you can do good with.You have gold, you have silver, and you are lusting for gold, and you are lusting for silver. You have it, and you are lusting for it, you are full, and you are still thirsty. It is a disease you have, not prosperity. There are people with a disease that makes them full of moisture and yet always thirsty; they are full of moisture, and they are thirsting for moisture! So how can you enjoy your prosperity when your lust for money suggests a bad case of dropsy?
So you have gold, it is good; you have something to do good with but not something to be good with. "What good," you ask, "am I going to do with gold?" Haven't you heard the psalm, "He has distributed," it says, "he has given to the poor his justice abides forever and ever." This is the good, this is the good you are good with, justice. If you have the good you can be good with, do good with the good you are not good with. You have some money, disburse it. By disbursing your money, you increase your justice. "He has distributed," you see, he has disbursed, "he has given to the poor; his justice abides forever and ever." Notice what gets less and what increases; what gets less is money, what increases is justice. It is what you are going to say goodbye to that gets less, what you are going to leave behind that gets less; what increases is what you are going to possess forever.
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 112:9 masterfully articulates the profound character and ultimate destiny of the righteous individual, presenting a life defined by radical generosity and unwavering integrity. It proclaims that the one who liberally distributes their resources to the needy establishes an enduring legacy of righteousness, a quality eternally recognized and affirmed by God, culminating in divine exaltation and lasting honor.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, often regarded as a thematic counterpart to Psalm 111. While Psalm 111 celebrates the magnificent deeds and righteous character of Yahweh, Psalm 112 delineates the blessedness and distinguishing marks of the person who reveres the Lord. Structured as an acrostic psalm, with each successive verse (or half-verse) commencing with a new letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it signifies completeness and divine order in the life it portrays. Verse 9 functions as a powerful climax, offering a succinct yet comprehensive portrait of the righteous individual's actions and their ultimate divine reward, resonating with the theme of God's enduring righteousness found throughout Psalm 111:3.
Historical & Cultural Context
This psalm is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Israelite wisdom literature, which frequently contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked, a theme extensively explored in books like Proverbs. The profound emphasis on "giving to the poor" reflects a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law and Israelite societal ethics, where compassionate care for the vulnerable was not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative and a hallmark of covenant faithfulness, as detailed in passages such as Deuteronomy 15:7-11. The potent imagery of the "horn" as a symbol of strength, power, and dignity was pervasive in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying honor, authority, and often divine favor, a concept vividly illustrated in 1 Samuel 2:1.
Key Themes
The overarching theme of Psalm 112 is the blessedness enjoyed by the righteous, a state that originates from "fearing the Lord" as introduced in Psalm 112:1. This reverential fear manifests practically through generosity and compassion towards the poor, which is prominently highlighted in verse 9. The psalm also underscores the theme of enduring righteousness, implying that a life lived in accordance with God's will leaves a lasting impact and possesses eternal significance, mirroring God's own eternal justice. Finally, the psalm presents the theme of divine vindication and exaltation, providing assurance that God Himself will honor and elevate those who walk in His ways, a stark contrast to the ultimate despair and demise of the wicked described in Psalm 112:10.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, derived from H6340, signifies scattering widely, distributing broadly, or spreading out. In the context of bounty, it suggests a liberal, ungrudging, and extensive practice of charity. It implies a consistent and generous lifestyle of sharing resources with those in need, conveying a sense of unreserved benevolence that flows from an open-handed and non-hoarding heart.
tsedâqâh encompasses more than mere adherence to rules; it denotes justice, integrity, ethical conduct, and right relationship with both God and humanity. Here, it specifically includes the social dimension of justice, particularly the active care for the poor and marginalized. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes that this righteousness is not transient but possesses eternal significance, being perpetually recognized and valued by God.
The horn is a powerful metaphor in the biblical world, symbolizing strength, power, dignity, and honor. Just as animals use their horns for defense and assertion, so too does the "horn" represent authority and prominence. To have one's "horn" "exalted" (H7311, rûwm) means to be elevated, strengthened, honored, and given prominence. This exaltation is a divine act, signifying God's vindication and public recognition of the righteous person's character and actions.
Verse Breakdown
"He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor"
This opening clause immediately establishes the primary, defining characteristic of the righteous individual: active, widespread, and consistent generosity. The use of two verbs ("dispersed," "given") emphasizes the liberal and habitual nature of this giving. It is not a reluctant or occasional act, but a defining aspect of their character, reflecting a heart aligned with God's profound compassion for the vulnerable and needy (H34, ʼebyôwn).
"his righteousness endureth for ever"
This phrase declares the lasting impact and eternal quality of the righteous person's life and actions. The generosity described in the first clause is a tangible expression of this internal righteousness (H6666, tsᵉdâqâh). It signifies that the integrity, justice, and benevolent acts of the righteous are not forgotten but have an enduring legacy, standing in God's eternal memory and receiving His everlasting approval (H5703, ʻad).
"his horn shall be exalted with honour"
This climactic statement promises divine vindication and elevation. Because the righteous person has lived a life of integrity and generosity, God Himself will grant them strength, dignity, and public honor (H3519, kâbôwd). This exaltation (H7311, rûwm) is not a result of human ambition or worldly striving, but a supernatural bestowal of respect and prominence by God, demonstrating that true honor comes from Him alone.
Literary Devices
Psalms 112:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with depth and impact. Parallelism is prominently featured, particularly synthetic parallelism, where the subsequent clauses expand upon and complete the thought introduced in the first. The initial action of "dispersing" and "giving to the poor" forms the foundation upon which the enduring nature of "his righteousness" and the divine exaltation of "his horn" are built. The phrase "his horn shall be exalted with honour" is a powerful metaphor, using the physical attribute of an animal's horn to symbolize strength, dignity, and authority. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the divine elevation and respect bestowed upon the righteous. Furthermore, the phrase "endureth for ever" serves as an emphasis or a form of hyperbole, underscoring the eternal significance and lasting impact of a life lived in genuine righteousness, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly achievements and recognition.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 112:9 profoundly connects to several core theological truths. It reveals God's deep heart for the poor and vulnerable, establishing generosity not merely as an ethical ideal but as a fundamental expression of true righteousness. This righteousness is not self-generated but flows from a reverential fear of the Lord, making it enduring and eternally significant, mirroring the everlasting nature of God's own justice and faithfulness. The promise of divine exaltation underscores God's unwavering commitment to vindicate and honor those who faithfully serve Him, demonstrating that true dignity and lasting influence are divinely bestowed, not humanly achieved. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, particularly those motivated by compassion and integrity, have eternal resonance and are deeply valued by our Creator, contributing to a legacy that transcends earthly recognition.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 112:9 calls believers to a life of radical, open-handed generosity, not as a means to earn divine favor, but as a natural outflow of a heart transformed by the fear of the Lord. It challenges us to critically examine how our resources are being utilized and whether our lives genuinely reflect God's profound compassion for the marginalized. The assurance that "his righteousness endureth for ever" offers profound comfort and motivation, reminding us that acts of kindness, integrity, and justice have an eternal impact, building a legacy that transcends fleeting earthly recognition and is eternally remembered and valued by God. Furthermore, the promise of divine exaltation encourages us to seek honor not from human praise or worldly ambition, but from God alone, trusting that He will ultimately vindicate and elevate those who faithfully serve Him. This verse invites us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and trusting God for all true honor and dignity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "his horn shall be exalted with honour" mean in practical terms for believers today?
The phrase "his horn shall be exalted with honour" uses a powerful biblical metaphor where the "horn" symbolizes strength, dignity, and authority. For believers today, it means that God Himself will ultimately vindicate, strengthen, and honor those who live righteously and generously. This honor is not necessarily worldly fame or material wealth, but rather a divine recognition and elevation that can manifest in various ways: increased spiritual authority, respect within the community, divine protection, or a profound sense of inner dignity and peace that comes from God's approval. It assures us that our acts of faith and kindness are seen by God, and He will ensure that our integrity is ultimately recognized and rewarded, often in ways that transcend human understanding or worldly ambition, fulfilling the promise that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
How can a person's "righteousness endure for ever" when all humans are imperfect and sinful?
The "righteousness" spoken of here refers not to sinless perfection, but to a consistent character and pattern of life marked by integrity, justice, and obedience to God's commands, particularly as expressed through generosity and compassion. It describes a life direction and a heart attitude that is genuinely aligned with God's will. The phrase "endureth for ever" signifies that such a life has lasting impact and eternal significance in God's eyes. While human beings are indeed imperfect, the psalm highlights the enduring legacy and divine remembrance of a life lived in the fear of the Lord. It implies that God records and values these acts of righteousness eternally, and they are not forgotten. For Christians, this enduring righteousness is ultimately rooted in Christ's perfect righteousness, which is imputed to us by faith, enabling us to live out a practical righteousness that, though imperfect, is empowered by the Holy Spirit and eternally recognized by God 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 112:9 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the archetypal righteous man. He is the one who perfectly "dispersed" and "gave to the poor," not merely of material possessions, but of His very life, emptying Himself for the sake of humanity (2 Corinthians 8:9). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by boundless compassion, healing, feeding the multitudes, and teaching the way of truth, demonstrating a radical generosity that far surpasses any human capacity or expectation. Furthermore, His "righteousness endureth for ever" in an absolute and unparalleled sense; He is the only truly righteous one whose perfect obedience and sacrificial death established an eternal righteousness for all who believe (Romans 3:21-26). This divine righteousness is not only His inherent character but is also freely imputed to believers, enabling them to stand justified before God. Finally, Jesus' "horn was exalted with honour" in His resurrection and ascension, where God the Father highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:9-11). Thus, the blessings promised to the righteous in Psalm 112:9 are supremely realized in Christ and, by grace, extended to all who are united with Him.