Christianity

Psalms 111Great Are the LORD's Works

Summary

Psalm 111 is an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew: after the opening Praise ye the LORD, each of its 22 short lines begins with the next letter of the alphabet. The psalmist praises God in the assembly of the upright for his great and honorable works, his gift of food to those who fear him, his giving of the heritage of the nations, and his redemption and covenant. It closes with the line that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

Key verse

“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.”

Psalms 111:10

Themes

Praise in the Assembly
God's Works
Covenant
Wisdom

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

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.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Christianity
Proverbs 9: The Beginning of Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 and 1:7 share the teaching that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom or knowledge, the same line that closes Psalm 111.
Christianity
Psalm 112: The Twin Acrostic
Psalm 112 is its twin, another 22-line acrostic that turns from the works of God to the life of the person who fears him.

Questions about Psalms 111

What does 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' mean?

In Psalm 111:10 fear means reverent awe and allegiance rather than terror. The verse teaches that true wisdom starts with honoring God and shows itself in keeping his commandments.

Is Psalm 111 an acrostic?

Yes. In Hebrew its 22 half-lines begin with successive letters of the alphabet, a pattern lost in translation. Psalms 112, 119 and 145 are other well-known alphabetic psalms.