Psalms 112:1-2
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that true godly fear isn't about being terrified, but about finding immense joy and delight in following God's commands. It’s this deep pleasure in obedience, not just outward compliance, that marks the blessed person.
This psalm picks up directly from the end of the previous one, expanding on the idea that the "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." It then immediately declares that such a person, who reveres God and finds genuine joy in following His commands, is truly blessed. The verses that follow will detail the abundant blessings and enduring legacy that come to such a righteous individual.
What does it really mean to 'fear the Lord'? It's more than just being scared. This verse unpacks the heart of true devotion.
Psalm 112:1 starts with a command: 'Praise the LORD!' But it immediately pivots to describing the kind of person worthy of praise – the one who 'fears the LORD' and 'greatly delights in his commandments.' These aren't separate ideas; they're two sides of the same coin.
More Than Just Scared
The 'fear of the Lord' isn't about trembling in terror. The scholars point out it's a deep reverence, a profound awe for God's holiness and power. It's the kind of fear a child has for a loving, wise parent – a desire not to displease them because you value their love and guidance.
The Joy of Obedience
And where does this fear lead? To delight! True devotion isn't a burden; it's a joy found in God's commands. When you deeply respect and love God, His Word and His ways become not a list of rules, but a source of pleasure and life. It’s actively choosing to follow His path because you find your greatest satisfaction there.
We all want to be happy, right? This verse doesn't just offer advice; it declares a fundamental truth about where genuine, lasting blessedness is found.
Psalm 112:1 begins with a powerful declaration: 'Blessed is the man...' This isn't a maybe, or a suggestion – it's a statement of fact. The psalm contrasts the blessedness of the godly with the often-illusory happiness of the ungodly.
A Godly Counter-Culture
In a world that often equates happiness with wealth, power, or pleasure, this psalm offers a radical alternative. The commentators highlight that many chase worldly success, believing it leads to happiness. But the Psalmist insists that true, deep-seated blessedness comes from a right relationship with God – specifically, from fearing Him and delighting in His ways.
A Different Kind of Wealth
Understand the original words
halelu-yah · Hebrew Interjection
A Hebrew exclamation of joy and adoration directed toward God, signifying an imperative for God's people to acknowledge His greatness and character.
ashrei · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A state of deep happiness or spiritual well-being resulting from God’s favor; it implies a divinely bestowed condition of being fortunate and favored.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverent, awe-filled submission to God that recognizes His holiness, power, and authority; it is the beginning of wisdom and the basis for holy living.
chaphets · Hebrew Verb
A profound sense of joy or pleasure taken in something, specifically here in the revelation of God's will and moral standards.
This passage outlines the blessings God promises to those who obey Him, echoing Psalm 112's theme of the blessedness that comes from fearing and delighting in God's commands.
Proverbs 3:1-10This section of Proverbs offers similar assurances of blessing, wisdom, and prosperity for those who do not forget God's teaching and whose hearts keep His commandments.
Matthew 5:3-12The Beatitudes in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount also describe those who are 'blessed,' highlighting qualities like meekness, mercy, and purity of heart, which align with the character of one who fears and delights in God.
John 14:15-24Jesus connects loving Him with keeping His commandments, showing that true obedience flows from a heart that delights in Him, reinforcing the idea that the fear of God is demonstrated through love for His commands.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, a broad promise that encompasses the comprehensive blessedness described in Psalm 112.
pulpitPsalms 112:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments."
Verse 1. - Praise ye the Lord. Again a "heading," or "introduction" (see the comment on Psalm 111:1). Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord. Connect this with Psalm 111:10. The closing thought of Psalm 111. is taken up and expanded in Psalm 112. That delighteth greatly in his commandments (comp. Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:16, 17, 24, 70, 77, etc.). "True obedience can only com…
poolePsalms 112:1: "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments."
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm containeth a description of a good man’s gracious disposition and carriage; as also of his blessed condition, even in this life as well as in the next. The blessedness of them that fear the Lord in this life, and in that to come, Psalm 112:1-9 ; for which the wicked envy them, and are grieved, Psalm 112:10 . The fear of God, as it is man’s only wisdo…
This verse highlights that true godly fear isn't about being terrified, but about finding immense joy and delight in following God's commands. It’s this deep pleasure in obedience, not just outward compliance, that marks the blessed person.
This psalm picks up directly from the end of the previous one, expanding on the idea that the "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." It then immediately declares that such a person, who reveres God and finds genuine joy in following His commands, is truly blessed. The verses that follow will detail the abundant blessings and enduring legacy that come to such a righteous individual.
This psalm picks up directly from the end of the previous one, expanding on the idea that the "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." It then immediately declares that such a person, who reveres God and finds genuine joy in following His commands, is truly blessed. The verses that follow will detail the abundant blessings and enduring legacy that come to such a righteous individual.
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This isn't just about a feeling; it's about a state of being, a life lived under God's favor. The 'man who fears the LORD' is fundamentally secure and content, not because of external circumstances, but because his foundation is God Himself. This internal contentment, this peace, is the true mark of blessedness.
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
Divine instructions, laws, or ordinances given by God to govern the life, conduct, and worship of His people.
zera' · Hebrew Noun
Descendants or children; often used in the Bible to signify the legacy and future generations of a person.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are morally upright, straight, and honest; they walk in accordance with God's law and maintain integrity in their conduct.
"Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." — This verse highlights that true godly fear isn't about being terrified, but about finding immense joy and delight in following God's commands. It’s this deep pleasure in obedience, not just outward c…
