Psalms 112

¹ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

² His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

³ Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

⁴ Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

⁵ A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

⁶ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

⁷ He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

⁸ His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies.

⁹ He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

¹⁰ The wicked shall see [it], and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Overview of Psalm 112

Psalm 112 is a part of the Book of Psalms in the Bible and is categorized as an acrostic poem. This chapter focuses on the characteristics and blessings of the righteous person who fears the Lord. It emphasizes the virtues of righteousness, generosity, and the blessings that come from a life devoted to God.

Structure of Psalm 112

The chapter can be divided into several key sections that highlight different themes:

1. The Blessing of the Righteous (Verses 1-3)
   • Describes the joy and blessings that come to those who fear the Lord.
   • Highlights the prosperity and wealth that accompany a righteous life.
2. The Righteous and Their Actions (Verses 4-6)
   • Illustrates the characteristics of the righteous, including light in darkness and compassion.
   • Emphasizes the stability and enduring nature of the righteous person’s legacy.
3. The Righteous and Their Trust in God (Verses 7-8)
   • Discusses the confidence of the righteous in the face of adversity.
   • Highlights the unwavering nature of their faith and trust in God’s provision.
4. The Fate of the Wicked (Verse 9-10)
   • Contrasts the righteous with the wicked, showing the ultimate downfall of the latter.
   • Concludes with a warning about the consequences of a life lived in opposition to God.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 112 presents several important themes that resonate throughout the chapter:

• The Fear of the Lord: The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of fearing the Lord, which serves as the foundation for a righteous life.
• Righteousness and Generosity: The righteous are characterized by their generosity and willingness to help others, reflecting their deep-rooted faith.
• Divine Blessings: The psalmist assures that those who live righteously will be blessed with prosperity, stability, and a lasting legacy.
• Contrast Between Righteous and Wicked: The stark contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked serves as a moral lesson, reinforcing the consequences of one’s choices.

Key Verses and Their Significance

Several verses in Psalm 112 stand out for their profound meaning:

• Verse 1: “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.”
  • This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing the connection between fear of God and the blessings that follow.
• Verse 4: “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
  • This verse highlights the moral character of the righteous, emphasizing their ability to bring hope and goodness even in difficult times.
• Verse 7: “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
  • This verse illustrates the unwavering faith of the righteous, showcasing their resilience against fear and uncertainty.
• Verse 10: “The wicked will see it and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish.”
  • This closing verse serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate fate of the wicked, reinforcing the psalm’s moral teachings.

Conclusion

Psalm 112 serves as a powerful reminder of the virtues associated with a life lived in reverence to God. It encourages readers to embody righteousness and generosity while providing assurance of divine blessings. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked serves not only as a moral lesson but also as a source of hope and encouragement for those striving to live a life aligned with God’s will.