Psalms 112
BSB1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. 2 His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. 5 It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. 6 Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. 7 He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. 9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish.
Study Notes — Psalms 112
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 112
- Themes from Psalms 112
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 112
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 112 presents a portrait of a righteous person, highlighting their trust in God, their moral integrity, and their commitment to justice and compassion. The chapter begins by declaring that the person who fears God and delights in His commandments is blessed (Psalms 112:1). It then describes the characteristics of this righteous person, including their faithfulness, generosity, and courage (Psalms 112:2-8). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity (Psalms 112:9-10). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the connection between a person's relationship with God and their treatment of others, highlighting the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 112 is part of a collection of psalms known as the 'Psalms of Ascent,' which were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for worship and celebration. This chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative by emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions. The principles outlined in this chapter are also reflected in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the importance of loving and obeying God's commands.
Heart Application
As we reflect on the principles outlined in Psalms 112, we are encouraged to cultivate a deep reverence for God and to live a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice. This means trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity, and recognizing the importance of loving and obeying His commands. By doing so, we can experience the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways and reflecting His character in our relationships and actions.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 112 describes the characteristics and blessings of a righteous person, emphasizing their fear of God, integrity, and generosity. The chapter encourages believers to cultivate a deep reverence for God and to live a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice. By doing so, they will experience the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways. For example, the righteous person is described as one who "fears the Lord" and "delights in His commandments" (Psalms 112:1).
Voices from the Church
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and it is the foundation of all true blessedness. The man who fears God is the man who is blessed, for he has a deep reverence for God's power and goodness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The righteous person is not one who is perfect, but one who is sincerely devoted to God and seeks to live a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice. This person recognizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Blessedness of the Righteous (Psalms 112:1-3) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of fearing God and delighting in His commandments. The righteous person is described as blessed, emphasizing the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways.
- The Characteristics of the Righteous (Psalms 112:4-6) — The chapter highlights the characteristics of the righteous person, including their faithfulness, generosity, and courage. This person is described as one who is gracious, compassionate, and just.
- The Trust of the Righteous (Psalms 112:7-8) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. The righteous person is described as one who is not afraid of evil tidings, but rather trusts in God's power and goodness.
- The Prosperity of the Righteous (Psalms 112:9-10) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the prosperity and joy that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. The righteous person is described as one who will be blessed and prosperous, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions.
- Conclusion (Psalms 112:10) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions. The righteous person is described as one who will be blessed and prosperous, experiencing the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Psalms 112 emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and authority in our lives, trusting in His power and goodness even in the face of adversity.
- The Importance of Fearing God
- The chapter highlights the importance of fearing God, recognizing His power and goodness, and living a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands.
- The Connection Between Faith and Actions
- The chapter emphasizes the connection between a person's faith and their actions, highlighting the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice.
- The Theme of Blessing and Prosperity
- The chapter emphasizes the theme of blessing and prosperity, highlighting the joy and well-being that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
Lessons from Psalms 112
- The Importance of Fearing God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His power and goodness, and living a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands.
- The Connection Between Faith and Actions — The chapter highlights the connection between a person's faith and their actions, emphasizing the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice.
- The Theme of Blessing and Prosperity — The chapter emphasizes the theme of blessing and prosperity, highlighting the joy and well-being that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity, and recognizing His power and goodness in our lives.
- The Character of God — The chapter reflects the character of God, emphasizing His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness, and encouraging believers to reflect these characteristics in their own lives.
Themes from Psalms 112
- The Blessedness of the Righteous — The chapter emphasizes the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
- The Importance of Fearing God — The chapter highlights the importance of fearing God, recognizing His power and goodness, and living a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands.
- The Connection Between Faith and Actions — The chapter emphasizes the connection between a person's faith and their actions, highlighting the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice.
- The Theme of Blessing and Prosperity — The chapter emphasizes the theme of blessing and prosperity, highlighting the joy and well-being that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness.
- The Character of God — The chapter reflects the character of God, emphasizing His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness, and encouraging believers to reflect these characteristics in their own lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to fear God, and how can we cultivate a deep reverence for Him in our lives?
- How does the chapter describe the characteristics of a righteous person, and what are some ways that we can reflect these characteristics in our own lives?
- What is the connection between trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, and experiencing joy and prosperity in our lives?
- How can we apply the principles outlined in Psalms 112 to our own lives, particularly in terms of living a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice?
- What are some ways that we can reflect the character of God in our relationships and actions, and experience the joy and prosperity that comes from following His ways?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Blessedness of the Righteous (Psalms 112:1-3)
| Psalms 112:1 | The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of fearing God and delighting in His commandments. The righteous person is described as blessed, emphasizing the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways. |
| Psalms 112:2 | The righteous person is described as one who will be mighty on earth, and whose seed will be blessed. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. |
| Psalms 112:3 | The righteous person is described as one who will have wealth and riches, but not in a way that is selfish or oppressive. Rather, their wealth will be a blessing to others, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
2. The Characteristics of the Righteous (Psalms 112:4-6)
| Psalms 112:4 | The righteous person is described as one who is gracious, compassionate, and just. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions. |
| Psalms 112:5 | The righteous person is described as one who is generous and willing to lend, without exploiting or oppressing others. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, particularly in our relationships with others. |
| Psalms 112:6 | The righteous person is described as one who will not be moved, even in the face of adversity. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, and recognizing His power and goodness in our lives. |
3. The Trust of the Righteous (Psalms 112:7-8)
| Psalms 112:7 | The righteous person is described as one who will not be afraid of evil tidings, but rather trusts in God's power and goodness. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. |
| Psalms 112:8 | The righteous person is described as one who will see their desire on their enemies, but not in a way that is vengeful or oppressive. Rather, their desire will be to see God's justice and righteousness prevail, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
4. The Prosperity of the Righteous (Psalms 112:9-10)
| Psalms 112:9 | The righteous person is described as one who will have their horn exalted with honor, and whose seed will be blessed. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and recognizing His power and goodness in our lives. |
| Psalms 112:10 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions. The righteous person is described as one who will be blessed and prosperous, experiencing the joy and prosperity that comes from following God's ways. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear God?
Fearing God means recognizing His power and goodness, and living a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands. This fear is not a negative emotion, but rather a deep reverence and respect for God's sovereignty and authority in our lives (Psalms 112:1).
How can we cultivate a deep reverence for God in our lives?
We can cultivate a deep reverence for God by studying His Word, praying, and seeking to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands. This means recognizing His power and goodness, and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity (Psalms 112:7-8).
What is the connection between trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, and experiencing joy and prosperity in our lives?
The connection between trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, and experiencing joy and prosperity in our lives, is that it allows us to recognize His power and goodness, even in the face of adversity. This trust enables us to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions (Psalms 112:1-3).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 112:1 → Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it is the foundation of all true blessedness. |
| 2 | Psalms 112:2 → Psalms 37:26 | The righteous person is described as one who will be blessed, and whose seed will be blessed, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 3 | Psalms 112:3 → Matthew 5:3-12 | The principles outlined in Psalms 112 are exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the importance of loving and obeying God's commands. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:4 → Micah 6:8 | The righteous person is described as one who is gracious, compassionate, and just, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 5 | Psalms 112:5 → Luke 6:30-36 | The righteous person is described as one who is generous and willing to lend, without exploiting or oppressing others, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 6 | Psalms 112:6 → Psalms 16:8 | The righteous person is described as one who will not be moved, even in the face of adversity, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 7 | Psalms 112:7 → Isaiah 26:3-4 | The righteous person is described as one who will trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 8 | Psalms 112:8 → Romans 2:4 | The righteous person is described as one who will see their desire on their enemies, but not in a way that is vengeful or oppressive, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 9 | Psalms 112:9 → Psalms 37:37 | The righteous person is described as one who will have their horn exalted with honor, and whose seed will be blessed, reflecting the character of God in their relationships and actions. |
| 10 | Psalms 112:10 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of God in our relationships and actions. |
Sermons on Psalms 112
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Godly Home) Part 18 - Three Mysterious Influences in the Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in vital reality with God in a home. He uses the analogy of a willow tree planted by a watercourse to illustrate the |
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The Devil Is Out to Destroy Your Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher describes a dream he had where he walked through the streets of New York and saw a scene of darkness and ugliness. He came across young people lying in |
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(Godly Home) Part 28 - the Overtaking Blessings on the Second Generation by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join the congregation and share in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of parents reaching f |
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How to Embrace the Power of the Cross by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who have lost peace, hope, and purpose in their lives. He emphasizes that God wants to restore what has been lost and give a new heart, |
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He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi |
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Useful for the Master - Part 11 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes God's purpose in allowing difficulties and poverty, highlighting how those in need may call upon Him for salvation and how the world will recognize Jesus thr |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Corinthians 9-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of spiritual laws established by God within the universe. While the speaker admits to not fully understanding how these laws work, |
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Practical Response Resulting From Our View of God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of God's presence in a gathering of 1,700 people. He describes moments of brokenness before God and the impact of a teenager shari |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 107-115 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of talking about God and declaring His works with rejoicing. He emphasizes that God loves when people speak often of Him and ke |
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A Light in the Darkness by Ian Paisley | This sermon emphasizes the theme of light in the darkness, highlighting the struggles faced by the upright, the dangers of apostasy, and the need for God's intervention and guidanc |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 112
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 112 emphasizes the importance of fearing God and living a life of faithfulness and obedience to His commands. He notes that the righteous person is described as blessed, and that their trust in God's goodness and faithfulness is the foundation of their blessedness. Henry also emphasizes the connection between a person's faith and their actions, highlighting the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice. He concludes by noting that the principles outlined in Psalms 112 are reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the importance of loving and obeying God's commands. As Henry writes, 'The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and it is the foundation of all true blessedness.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Fearing God
The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of fearing God, recognizing His sovereignty and authority in our lives. This fear is not a negative emotion, but rather a deep reverence and respect for God's power and goodness.
The Connection Between Faith and Actions
The chapter highlights the connection between a person's faith and their actions, emphasizing the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and justice. This connection is reflected in the way that the righteous person treats others, particularly the poor and needy.
The Theme of Blessing and Prosperity
The chapter emphasizes the theme of blessing and prosperity, highlighting the joy and well-being that comes from following God's ways and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. This theme is reflected in the descriptions of the righteous person's life, including their faithfulness, generosity, and courage.