Psalm 112
Psalm 112, The Blessings Upon Those Who Fear the LORD
Psalm 112 is an acrostic psalm, arranged according to the Hebrew alphabet, just like Psalm 111. These two psalms clearly belong together. Psalm 111 praises the greatness of God’s works, while Psalm 112 describes the blessed character and life of the man who fears the LORD. Psalm 111 ends by saying that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 112 begins by showing what that fear of the LORD looks like in a man’s life.
Psalm 111 is about God. Psalm 112 is about the godly man. But Psalm 112 is not man centered in a sinful or proud way. It begins with “Praise ye the LORD,” because the righteous man’s character is itself a work of God’s grace. The godly man reflects the character of the God he fears. As the moon reflects the light of the sun, the man who fears the LORD reflects the righteousness, compassion, generosity, stability, and faithfulness of God.
This psalm teaches that fearing the LORD is not a miserable life. It is the blessed life. The man who fears God is not enslaved by lesser fears. The man who delights in God’s commandments is not ruled by the cravings of the world. He is blessed in his home, his descendants, his possessions, his character, his generosity, his courage, his stability, his reputation, and his final outcome. The wicked may hate what God does in him, but the wicked man’s desire will perish.
A. The Blessed Man and His Family
Psalm 112:1, The Blessed Life of the Man Who Fears the LORD
Psalm 112:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”
The psalm begins with “Praise ye the LORD,” or “Hallelujah.” This is important because the blessedness of the righteous man ultimately brings praise to God. Psalm 112 is not written to glorify man apart from God. It shows what the grace of God produces in a man who fears the LORD and delights in His commandments.
“Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD.” The fear of the LORD is the foundation of the blessed life. This fear is not sinful terror that drives a man away from God. It is reverence, awe, submission, worship, moral seriousness, and humble recognition that God is holy, sovereign, righteous, and worthy of obedience.
Psalm 111 ended with this same truth.
Psalm 111:10, “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 blessed man of Psalm 112 is the man who lives out Psalm 111:10. He fears the LORD, and because he fears the LORD, he has true wisdom. The modern world often defines the blessed life by money, comfort, status, self expression, power, or pleasure. Scripture defines the blessed life by the fear of the LORD.
The verse continues, “that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” This shows that the fear of the LORD is not bare duty or reluctant compliance. The blessed man delights in God’s commandments. He does not merely tolerate them. He does not view them as a burden. He loves the revealed will of God.
This is the mark of a heart changed by grace. A rebellious man may obey outwardly when forced, but he does not delight in God’s commandments. The godly man sees God’s commandments as wise, good, pure, righteous, and life giving.
Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Psalm 1:3, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
The blessed man is not only separated from wickedness, he is positively drawn to the Word and commandments of God. His delight is practical. He wants to know what God commands so he can do it. His joy is not merely in religious ideas, but in obedience.
This verse finds its perfect fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ. No man ever feared the Father rightly as Christ did. No man ever delighted in the Father’s will as Christ did. The righteous man in Psalm 112 reflects, in a limited and redeemed way, what is perfectly true in Jesus Christ.
John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Psalm 112:1 teaches that the blessed life begins with reverence for God and delight in His commandments. A man who fears God rightly is delivered from the tyranny of lesser fears, and a man who delights in God’s Word is freed from the slavery of worldly desires.
Psalm 112:2 to Psalm 112:3, The Household of the Blessed Man
Psalm 112:2, “His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.”
Psalm 112:3, “Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.”
The blessing of the man who fears the LORD extends to his household. Verse 2 says, “His seed shall be mighty upon earth.” This does not necessarily mean every descendant will become physically powerful, politically famous, or materially wealthy. It means that the descendants of the upright man stand under the blessing and influence of a godly legacy. They are placed in a position of strength because they inherit the instruction, example, prayers, discipline, and covenant faithfulness of a God fearing household.
This is not automatic salvation by bloodline. Every child must personally know the LORD. Yet Scripture consistently teaches that a godly father’s faithfulness matters generationally. A man who fears the LORD gives his family something far greater than money. He gives them a pattern of worship, obedience, moral clarity, discipline, prayer, and trust in God.
Proverbs 20:7, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”
“The generation of the upright shall be blessed.” The upright are those who walk straight according to God’s standard. Their generation is blessed because God honors righteousness, and because righteous parents leave behind more than possessions. They leave behind instruction, reputation, wisdom, stability, and a testimony of the LORD’s faithfulness.
Verse 3 says, “Wealth and riches shall be in his house.” In the Old Testament covenant context, material blessing was often connected with obedience to the LORD. The psalmist recognizes that fearing God normally produces habits that lead to stability, diligence, honesty, self control, generosity, and wise management. These qualities often bring economic blessing.
However, this must be handled carefully. This is not a guarantee that every godly man will be rich in this life. Many faithful believers are poor. Many wicked men are wealthy. The psalm speaks in the general wisdom pattern of God’s moral order. Uprightness is the right path, and when all things are equal, honesty, discipline, and wisdom are better foundations for lasting prosperity than laziness, corruption, or foolishness.
The New Testament never treats riches as the highest blessing. It warns that riches can become a snare if the heart trusts them.
1 Timothy 6:17, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”
1 Timothy 6:18, “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
1 Timothy 6:19, “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Psalm 112 will show that the blessed man’s wealth does not corrupt him. He uses his resources with righteousness, discretion, generosity, and compassion. Wealth in the hands of a God fearing man becomes an instrument for good, not a god to be worshiped.
“And his righteousness endureth for ever.” The most lasting thing in the blessed man’s house is not his money, but his righteousness. Wealth may come and go. Houses decay. Possessions pass to others. But righteousness has enduring value. A righteous life leaves a legacy that outlasts material things.
This also shows that prosperity is not the measure of the man. His righteousness is. The man who fears the LORD may be blessed materially, but his true treasure is his enduring righteousness before God and his righteous conduct among men.
Matthew 6:19, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:”
Matthew 6:20, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Psalm 112:2 to 3 teaches that the fear of the LORD shapes a household. It blesses descendants, establishes a godly legacy, brings moral strength, teaches wise stewardship, and produces righteousness that endures beyond material wealth.
B. The Contrast Between the Upright and the Wicked
Psalm 112:4 to Psalm 112:8, The Upright Are Established
Psalm 112:4, “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
Psalm 112:5, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.”
Psalm 112:6, “Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.”
Psalm 112:7, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”
Psalm 112:8, “His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.”
Verse 4 says, “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” This is a realistic statement. The upright man still experiences darkness. The fear of the LORD does not exempt a man from sorrow, uncertainty, danger, grief, opposition, sickness, or trouble. Yet in the darkness, light arises for him.
This light comes from God. The upright man is not left without guidance, hope, comfort, or truth. God gives light in dark seasons. He may not remove the darkness immediately, but He gives enough light for faith, obedience, and endurance.
Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The psalm then says, “he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” This wording intentionally echoes the character of God described in Psalm 111. The God fearing man reflects the God he worships. He is gracious because God has been gracious to him. He is full of compassion because God has shown compassion to him. He is righteous because he walks under the righteous commandments of God.
The righteous man does not merely receive light, he reflects it. The light of God shapes his treatment of others. He is not harsh, greedy, cold, or self centered. He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
Verse 5 says, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth.” The blessed man uses his resources to help others. He does not hoard wealth out of fear. He does not abuse power. He does not crush the needy. He shows favor and lends where it can truly help.
This generosity is not foolishness. The verse adds, “he will guide his affairs with discretion.” The godly man is generous, but not reckless. He is compassionate, but not gullible. He is open handed, but not irresponsible. Biblical generosity must be governed by wisdom. The man who fears the LORD knows how to handle his affairs with judgment, prudence, and moral clarity.
This is important because money reveals character. Wealth can expose greed, fear, pride, rivalry, or selfishness. But in the righteous man, wealth becomes a tool for mercy and responsibility. He guides his affairs under God.
Proverbs 3:9, “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”
Proverbs 3:10, “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Verse 6 says, “Surely he shall not be moved for ever.” The righteous man is stable because his life is rooted in the LORD. This does not mean he never experiences loss, movement, persecution, or hardship. It means he will not be ultimately overthrown. His foundation is secure.
Jesus taught this same principle.
Matthew 7:24, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”
Matthew 7:25, “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.”
“The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” God remembers the righteous. Their lives matter. Their works are not forgotten. Their faithfulness may be ignored by the world, but it is not ignored by God. A righteous man’s testimony also lives on among those who were helped, taught, strengthened, and blessed through his life.
Verse 7 says, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.” Evil tidings are bad reports, fearful news, sudden threats, disturbing developments, and painful announcements. These may come from family, health, finances, work, enemies, culture, politics, or national events. The righteous man hears evil tidings, but he is not ruled by fear.
The reason is clear, “his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” His heart is steady because his trust is in God. He is not fearless because life is easy. He is fearless because God is faithful. He does not have to understand every detail in order to trust the LORD.
Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:4, “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”
Verse 8 repeats and strengthens the idea, “His heart is established, he shall not be afraid.” The righteous man is internally fortified. His stability does not come from the absence of enemies, but from trust in the LORD. He may change plans, adjust methods, or respond wisely to circumstances, but his soul’s foundation remains fixed.
“Until he see his desire upon his enemies.” This means he will see vindication and final victory. The righteous man does not have to take vengeance into his own hands. God will judge rightly. In the end, the upright will not be put to shame for trusting the LORD.
This section teaches that the upright man is not spared all darkness, but he is given light in darkness. He reflects God’s compassion and righteousness, uses his resources wisely and generously, stands firmly, remains remembered, refuses to be ruled by fearful news, and trusts the LORD until vindication comes.
Psalm 112:9 to Psalm 112:10, The Grief of the Wicked
Psalm 112:9, “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness endureth for ever, his horn shall be exalted with honour.”
Psalm 112:10, “The wicked shall see it, and be grieved, he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.”
Verse 9 returns to the generosity of the righteous man, “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor.” The word “dispersed” suggests deliberate, wise, broad distribution. He gives, but not carelessly. He spreads his generosity like seed. He gives where it can do good. His compassion becomes action.
The righteous man does not view the poor as beneath concern. He uses what God has placed in his hand to help those in need. This is not merely philanthropy for reputation. It is righteousness expressed through mercy.
Paul quotes this verse in 2 Corinthians 9 to encourage Christian generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:6, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:8, “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:”
2 Corinthians 9:9, “As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever.”
2 Corinthians 9:10, “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,”
The righteous man’s generosity does not diminish his righteousness. It proves it. “His righteousness endureth for ever.” His giving has eternal significance because it flows from the fear of the LORD and love for righteousness. Works do not purchase salvation, but they do display genuine faith and are remembered by God.
“His horn shall be exalted with honour.” The horn symbolizes strength, dignity, and influence. The righteous man’s honor is not gained by manipulation, flattery, greed, or oppression. God exalts him with honor. His strength rises because his life is aligned with God’s ways.
Verse 10 gives the contrast, “The wicked shall see it, and be grieved.” The wicked man is not happy when the righteous are blessed. He is irritated by another man’s righteousness, generosity, stability, and honor. The blessing of the upright exposes the emptiness of the wicked.
“He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away.” This is the picture of rage, frustration, envy, and final collapse. The wicked man sees what he cannot destroy, and he is consumed by resentment. His anger does not make him stronger. It melts him away.
Jesus used similar language to describe the grief and judgment of the wicked in the age to come.
Luke 13:27, “But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are, depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”
Luke 13:28, “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.”
The psalm ends with a final contrast, “the desire of the wicked shall perish.” The righteous man’s righteousness endures forever, but the wicked man’s desire perishes. This is the difference between a life rooted in God and a life rooted in rebellion. The righteous endure. The wicked fade. The righteous are remembered. The wicked melt away. The righteous are established. The wicked lose even what they desired.
Psalm 112 teaches that the man who fears the LORD is blessed. He delights in God’s commandments, shapes his household in righteousness, uses wealth wisely, shows grace and compassion, gives to the poor, stands firm in darkness, is not ruled by evil tidings, and is remembered with honor. The wicked may hate such a man, but they cannot overthrow what God establishes. The desire of the wicked will perish, but the righteousness of the man who fears the LORD endures forever.
