Thank you, Father, for the blessing that is mine as I read your Word, learn from it, and follow what it says. Give me what I need today to follow you more closely.
Read PSALM 112
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
1 Praise the Lord.[b]
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn[c] will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Footnotes
- Psalm 112:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
- Psalm 112:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 112:9 Horn here symbolizes dignity.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
May we fear the Lord and delight in his commands, setting our hearts on things above with Christ, and not on earthly things.
Think Further
This wonderful psalm reminds us that a life centered in God and a life lived well – that is, a life lived rightly – brings its own rewards in many ways. Of course, there are difficulties, sorrows, and even terribly damaging things in life, and we are to expect persecution as well. At the same time, a life hidden1 and rooted in Christ gives inner peace, security, and a lack of fear. Gracious, compassionate, and generous people do not only store up treasures in heaven. By being gracious and compassionate to others, they shape themselves into being less selfish and/or self-absorbed. By being generous, they do not allow money to have a hold over them. The righteous who trust in the Lord have fewer deep worries about their lives because they know that underneath are the everlasting arms. This inner peace and security is something that the wicked do not have, or understand.
Often, when we think of our lives and the times we have sinned most, we will find that these times were not happy, but distressing. Those of us who have lived for many years as Christians may sometimes take for granted the security that knowing Christ in God brings.
Psalm 112 acts as a counter to Psalm 73, in which the psalmist bemoans the fact that the wicked prosper2 while he does not – though the ending of Psalm 73 demonstrates the psalmist’s assurance and trust in God. The psalms are not promises but they reflect on a wide range of experiences and emotions. Psalms like Psalm 112 can encourage us, whatever mood or circumstance we are in, to remember that the Good Shepherd brings us life – and life to the full.
Apply
Meditate on the fact that you died to self and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. In what respects should you set your mind more on things above?
Closing prayer
Loving King, you delight in showering me with gifts out of your storehouse that is filled beyond measure. As I freely receive from you, show me how to give freely to others, in both who I am in you and what I have because of you.
Last Updated on October 6, 2024 by kingstar
