Christianity

Psalms 112The Blessings of the God-Fearing

Summary

Psalm 112, the twin of Psalm 111, is another Hebrew acrostic, describing the person who fears the LORD and delights greatly in his commandments. Such a person's descendants are mighty, wealth and righteousness fill the house, and he is gracious, generous and fair in business. He is not afraid of evil tidings, for his heart is fixed and trusting, and he gives to the poor, while the wicked see it and grieve. Phrases used of God in Psalm 111 are applied here to the righteous.

Key verse

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

Psalms 112:7

Themes

Righteous Character
Generosity
Courage Without Fear
Lasting Legacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Across traditions

Christianity
2 Corinthians 9: He Hath Given to the Poor
Paul quotes Psalm 112:9, about the righteous person dispersing gifts to the poor and his righteousness remaining forever, to encourage the Corinthians' collection for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 9:9).
Christianity
Psalm 1: Blessed Is the Man
Psalm 1 also begins with a blessing on the person who delights in God's law and contrasts that stable life with the fading of the wicked.

Questions about Psalms 112

How are Psalms 111 and 112 related?

Both are 22-line acrostics of the same length and structure. Psalm 111:3 says God's righteousness endures forever, and Psalm 112:3 says the same of the person who fears him, suggesting the righteous reflect God's character.

What are 'evil tidings' in Psalm 112?

Evil tidings are bad news. Psalm 112:7 says the one who trusts the LORD will not be shaken by it, because his heart is fixed, meaning steady and settled, on God.