United Commentaries

Ps.111.1-117.2

The refrain Praise the Lord! (Hebrew haleluyah) characterizes this group of psalms.

Ps.112.1-10

This psalm reiterates the themes of wisdom and the fear of the Lord (Ps 111). The wise have reason to be happy (112:1-5) and vigorous (112:6-10).

Ps.112.1-5

The fear of the Lord leads to a life of wisdom that honors God and blesses the family and community. The godly joyfully imitate God; their obedience is not slavish.

Ps.112.2-3

successful: All will know the children of godly people (see 127:4) because the godly leave a legacy for their children (see 1:3; cp. Matt 6:20).

Ps.112.4-5

The godly imitate God by being generous, compassionate, and righteous (51:1; 111:1-10; 2 Cor 9:9). They lend money to the poor without charging interest (Pss 15:5; 112:9; Exod 22:25).

Ps.112.6

The honesty and compassion of the wise keeps them from stumbling (15:5; 37:23-24), ensuring that they will be long remembered (Prov 10:7).

Ps.112.8

Because the godly joyfully expect God to prevail and rescue them, they face their foes triumphantly (59:10; 112:4; 118:7).

Ps.112.9

Paul quotes this verse in his instructions about generous giving (2 Cor 9:9).

Ps.112.10

The wicked . . . grind their teeth in anger out of their bitter envy (35:16; 37:12). The vigor and reputation of the godly cause conflict with those who want them dead.

The wicked will slink away out of fear and shame.