Chapter 112
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
8His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
10The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”
Overview
Psalm 112 is the companion to Psalm 111 — also an acrostic — but shifts focus from God's character to the character of the person who fears the LORD. The man who fears God and delights in His commandments is blessed: his seed shall be mighty, wealth and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. He is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous. He is not afraid of evil tidings because his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. He has dispersed and given to the poor, and his horn shall be exalted. The wicked see it and are grieved.
Key Themes
Blessedness Through the Fear of God
The God-fearing person is blessed in family, resources, reputation, and righteousness — godliness is its own reward and yields lasting fruit.
Generosity and Compassion
The righteous person is characterized by generosity — gracious, lending, giving to the poor — mirroring the character of the God described in Psalm 111.
Steadfast Heart in Trouble
The righteous are not afraid of evil tidings because their heart is established and trusting in the LORD — security comes from faith, not circumstances.
Study Questions
How does Psalm 112 mirror Psalm 111 — what attributes of God are reflected in the godly person?
What does it mean that the righteous person 'shall not be afraid of evil tidings' (v. 7)?
How does generosity to the poor (v. 9) relate to fearing God?
What does 'his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD' (v. 7) look like practically?
How does this psalm challenge the notion that godliness and prosperity are unrelated?
Connection to Christ
Jesus perfectly embodies the righteous man described here — gracious, compassionate, generous, fearless before evil tidings, and with a heart perfectly fixed on the Father. Paul quotes verse 9 in 2 Corinthians 9:9 to describe the generous, cheerful giving that characterizes those who follow Christ. In Him, the blessedness of the God-fearer is fully realized.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 112. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?