Psalm 112

Vs. 1-9 show God reflected in His people;

Vs. 10 shows who can’t stand this.

Psalm 111 describes the character of God that prompts praise; Psalm 112 describes the character of those who “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 10:34-35). “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).

Verses 1-9:  (Verse 1) “Praise the LORD” (is the word, Hallelujah). To “fear the LORD” is to respect His commandments. (Verses 2-3) Right-thinking can be passed on to children and grandchildren (Genesis 18:16-19), but so also can disobedience (2 Kings 17:41). Benefits of right-thinking (“Wealth and riches”) may also be shared with children, as Solomon will later say: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).  (Verses 4-5) If troubles are like “darkness” then “light” is what God provides the righteous to help guide them through it: “The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out” (Proverbs 13:9). God’s person will develop God’s characteristics of being “gracious,” “righteous,” and “full of compassion.” Jesus later teaches this in Luke 6:35-36.  (Verses 6-8) There will be stability in the life of the righteous, not a total absence of difficulties, but the certainty that comes of knowing how to return to life’s main purpose: to please God (Hebrews 11:6). To “never be shaken” means knowing on whose side one stands, even when “evil tidings” are hurled by Satan’s followers, and knowing God’s final judgment condemns “his enemies” (Proverbs 10:24-25). “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people’” (Hebrews 10:30). Christians today should “not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:9); “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).  (Verse 9) This good behavior is suitable for everyone, everywhere, thus “dispersed abroad” (without prejudices, Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:8-18) and “given to the poor” (who cannot repay, Luke 14:12-14; Matthew 25:31-46).

Verse 10: “The wicked” can’t stand to see the righteous rewarded, which was first seen when Cain killed his brother (Genesis 4:1-8; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:11-12). Ever since then, doing good can be dangerous, but always right. “Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ [quoted from Proverbs 25:21-22] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

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