Who Stands In Awe Is Blessed

WHO STANDS IN AWE IS BLESSED.

Psalm 112.

Like its immediate predecessor, Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, using the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order as the opening letter of each line. This can best be represented in English by:

“Alleluia.

“Blessed is the man…” (Psalm 112:1).

The blessings arise from the ‘fear of the LORD’ which is the ‘beginning of wisdom’ (Psalm 111:10). This is the definition of what it is to be “upright” (Psalm 112:2). Such reverential awe delights in the works of the LORD (Psalm 111:2), and in His commandments (Psalm 112:1).

The blessings and virtues of the righteous reflect the works and attributes of the LORD. The works of the LORD are great (Psalm 111:2); the seed of the upright shall be mighty (Psalm 112:2). The blessing passes on to future generations (cf. Deuteronomy 7:9).

“Wealth and riches” accrue to the righteous (Psalm 112:3). We might imagine this is not true to experience, but when the books are balanced we will find that virtue has accumulated where vice has dissipated. The person who upon their conversion has also been cured of an addiction (for example), no longer has that particular drain upon his resources, and is better disposed to frugality.

This “wealth and riches” clause should not be detached from the “righteousness which endures” (Psalm 112:3). At this point, the blessing seems proportionate to the virtue. Our “righteousness” has the same durability as the righteousness of the LORD: “for ever” (Psalm 112:3; cf. Psalm 111:3).

The “light rising in the darkness” (Psalm 112:4):

1. The LORD (Psalm 27:1; 1 John 1:5);

2. Jesus (Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:32; John 8:12);

3. His followers (Matthew 5:14; Acts 13:47).

The dissemination of God’s light by His people is seen in their lifestyle (Psalm 112:4). The LORD’s gracious provision (Psalm 111:4-5) is echoed in the generous dealings of the good man (Psalm 112:4-5). Neither does this in any way diminish him (Psalm 112:6; cf. Proverbs 11:24).

Yet “wealth and riches” (Psalm 112:3) does not exempt the recipient of the blessing from “evil tidings” (Psalm 112:7) - and the true believer is sometimes challenged anew as to where, or in whom, we are placing our trust. When bad news does come, the good man’s heart remains steady, and fear is vanquished (Psalm 112:8). Those who persevere will be triumphant.

The upright is finally identified by his attitude to the poor (Psalm 112:9; cf. James 1:27). The righteousness of the righteous is of eternal durability (cf. Psalm 112:3). Future honour awaits him.

As for the wicked, they are angry when they see the “horn” (strength) of the righteous exalted (Psalm 112:9-10). They can gnash all they like, but they will “melt away” (Psalm 112:10). Wickedness embraces nothingness, and shall surely perish.

When we put our trust in the righteous LORD, and aim at a life of piety and morality, we shall not lose our reward.