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Psalms 111:10

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The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is the beginning {H7225} of wisdom {H2451}: a good {H2896} understanding {H7922} have all they that do {H6213} his commandments: his praise {H8416} endureth {H5975} for ever {H5703}.

the first and foremost point of wisdom is the fear of ADONAI; all those living by it gain good common sense. His praise stands forever.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that dohis commandments: His praise endureth for ever.

Commentary

Psalm 111:10 (KJV) declares a foundational truth about the source of genuine wisdom and understanding. This verse serves as a powerful summary to Psalm 111, which celebrates God's great works and righteous character.

Context

Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm, meaning each line or half-line begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a hymn of praise, extolling the Lord for His mighty works, faithfulness, and the everlasting nature of His covenant. Verse 10 acts as a concluding summary, drawing a direct link between revering God and attaining true wisdom. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, which frequently emphasizes the "fear of the LORD" as the starting point for all knowledge and understanding.

Key Themes

  • The Foundation of Wisdom: The verse unequivocally states that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This isn't a terror-filled dread but a profound, reverent awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It's a recognition of His supreme sovereignty that leads to a desire to obey Him.
  • Obedience Leads to Understanding: A "good understanding" is granted to "all they that do his commandments." This highlights the practical aspect of biblical wisdom. True insight is not merely intellectual accumulation but is demonstrated and deepened through active obedience to God's revealed will. There is a direct correlation between living according to God's instructions and gaining spiritual discernment.
  • God's Enduring Worthiness of Praise: The final phrase, "his praise endureth for ever," underscores the eternal nature of God's character and His actions, which are the very source of this wisdom and the object of our obedience. It implies that the wisdom gained from fearing God and obeying Him leads to a life that continually glorifies Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "fear of the LORD" is yir'at Yahweh (יִרְאַת יְהוָה). As mentioned, this "fear" signifies a deep reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's will and majesty, rather than mere fright.
  • "Wisdom" (chokhmah, חָכְמָה) in this context refers not just to intellectual knowledge but to practical skill, moral discernment, and the ability to live a righteous and successful life in accordance with God's principles.
  • "Understanding" (sekhel, שֵׂכֶל) suggests discernment, insight, and the ability to act prudently based on sound judgment. It's the practical application of wisdom.

Practical Application

Psalm 111:10 offers timeless guidance for living a meaningful and God-honoring life:

  • Prioritize Reverence for God: True wisdom begins not with human intellect or worldly pursuits, but with a heart that reveres God above all else. This reverence guides our choices and shapes our worldview.
  • Embrace Obedience: The verse teaches that genuine understanding blossoms through obedience. As we strive to live by God's commands, our spiritual insight grows, and we experience the practical benefits of His wisdom. This aligns with New Testament teachings on obedience as a sign of love, as seen in John 14:21.
  • Live a Life of Praise: Recognizing God as the source of all wisdom and understanding should naturally lead us to a life of worship and praise that, like His character, endures forever.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 1:7 (25 votes)

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  • Proverbs 9:10 (23 votes)

    The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

  • Job 28:28 (21 votes)

    And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 (16 votes)

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • Matthew 25:21 (8 votes)

    His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

  • John 5:44 (8 votes)

    How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

  • Matthew 25:23 (8 votes)

    His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.