Chapter 111
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
6He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
7The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
8They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10The 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 fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”
Overview
Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm of praise, with each half-verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist praises the LORD with his whole heart and declares that His works are great, sought out by all who delight in them. God's work is honourable and glorious, His righteousness endures forever, and He has made His wonderful works to be remembered. He is gracious and full of compassion, providing food for those who fear Him and remembering His covenant forever. He sent redemption to His people and His name is holy and reverend. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Key Themes
The Greatness of God's Works
God's works are not merely powerful but worthy of study and meditation — they reveal His honourable, glorious, and enduring character.
God's Covenant Faithfulness
God remembers His covenant forever — He sent redemption to His people and commanded His covenant to stand for all time.
The Fear of the LORD as Wisdom's Beginning
True wisdom begins with reverential awe before God — those who practice His commandments have good understanding.
Study Questions
What does it mean to praise the LORD 'with my whole heart' (v. 1)?
How should we 'seek out' God's works (v. 2)?
What does it mean that God 'hath made his wonderful works to be remembered' (v. 4)?
How is the fear of the LORD the 'beginning of wisdom' (v. 10)?
How does this psalm connect God's character to His actions?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's honourable and glorious work. He is the redemption God sent to His people and the full revelation of God's covenant faithfulness. In Christ, the fear of the Lord and wisdom are united — He is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) and the one in whom all the treasures of wisdom are hidden.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 111. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?