The phrase "delights greatly in his commandments" reveals that true God-fear isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's about finding genuine joy and pleasure in God's ways, making obedience feel less like a chore and more like a calling. This isn't a forced or reluctant compliance, but a deep-seated satisfaction that comes from aligning one's heart with God's will.
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. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with an explicit call to praise the Lord, directly linking it to the preceding psalm's conclusion about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 112 then unpacks what it means to truly fear God, describing the character and blessed state of such a person, contrasting it with the fate of the wicked who will ultimately perish. This opening verse sets the stage by defining this blessed individual not just by a general reverence for God, but by a deep delight and eagerness to obey His commands.
We often think of 'fearing God' as being scared. But what if it's actually about something much deeper, something joyful?
Psalm 112:1 starts with a powerful call: 'Praise the LORD!' This isn't just a suggestion; it's an invitation to recognize God's goodness, especially as seen in the life of someone who truly lives for Him.
The Two Pillars of Piety
The verse then defines this blessed person by two key actions:
These two aspects work together, like a melody and harmony. The fear guides our direction, and the delight fuels our journey.
The verse pronounces a 'blessed' state on those who fear God. What does this blessing truly look like, and is it dependent on our outward situation?
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The opening word, 'Blessed,' sets the tone. It declares a state of profound well-being and favor with God.
An Inner Wellspring
This blessedness isn't about a life free from problems or filled with worldly riches. Instead, it's a deep, abiding joy and peace that comes from aligning one's life with God's will.
While outward blessings may follow (as Psalm 112 goes on to describe), the core of this happiness is an internal reality, a gift from God to those whose hearts are devoted to Him.
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.
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.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
Right conduct or virtue that aligns with God's character and standard; it includes both a legal standing before God and the practical, outward manifestation of godly living.
This verse echoes Psalm 112:1 by stating that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, directly linking reverence for God with wisdom and understanding.
John 14:15Jesus connects loving Him with keeping His commands, mirroring the psalmist's emphasis that true fear of God leads to delighting in His commandments.
Psalm 1:1-2This passage describes the blessedness of the one who does not walk with the wicked but delights in the law of the LORD, aligning perfectly with the theme of joyful obedience presented in Psalm 112:1.
Romans 7:22Paul speaks of delighting in God's law according to his inner self, illustrating the internal transformation that enables someone to truly find pleasure in God's commands, as Psalm 112:1 describes.
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…
The phrase "delights greatly in his commandments" reveals that true God-fear isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's about finding genuine joy and pleasure in God's ways, making obedience feel less like a chore and more like a calling. This isn't a forced or reluctant compliance, but a deep-seated satisfaction that comes from aligning one's heart with God's will.
This psalm begins with an explicit call to praise the Lord, directly linking it to the preceding psalm's conclusion about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 112 then unpacks what it means to truly fear God, describing the character and blessed state of such a person, contrasting it with the fate of the wicked who will ultimately perish. This opening verse sets the stage by defining this blessed individual not just by a general reverence for God, but by a deep delight and eagerness to obey His commands.
This psalm begins with an explicit call to praise the Lord, directly linking it to the preceding psalm's conclusion about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 112 then unpacks what it means to truly fear God, describing the character and blessed state of such a person, contrasting it with the fate of the wicked who will ultimately perish. This opening verse sets the stage by defining this blessed individual not just by a general reverence for God, but by a deep delight and eagerness to obey His commands.
"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. Wealth and riches are in his hou…" — The phrase "delights greatly in his commandments" reveals that true God-fear isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's about finding genuine joy and pleasure in God's ways, making obedience feel les…
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Last reviewed October 2026
