Psalm 111 — Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord

---

The Heart of the Psalm

Theme:
True wisdom begins with reverent awe, as God’s mighty works and faithful covenant form the foundation for a life ordered by praise.

Tone:
Reflective

Structure:
A deliberate summons to praise, followed by studied contemplation of God’s deeds and covenant, ending in a wisdom conclusion: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

---

The Emotional Journey

The Call
The psalm opens with a settled decision: praise will not be private impulse but public posture—offered “with my whole heart” among God’s people. The worship here is intentional, almost disciplined, as though the soul is gathering itself to look steadily at the Lord.

The Reflection
Meditation turns into wisdom: the works of God are not merely impressive; they are morally weighty—marked by righteousness, justice, mercy, and steadfast faithfulness. The psalmist lingers over what God has done and what it reveals about who God is:

• His deeds are “remembered,” not because God forgets, but because worshiping hearts must be trained to recall.
• His provision and “food” speak of care that reaches ordinary life, not only moments of spectacle.
• His covenant stands behind His gifts: grace is not random kindness but faithful commitment.
  Even the mention of redemption and holy fear is not meant to frighten the tender conscience, but to reorder it—so that life is lived in the light of God’s majesty, not under the tyranny of self.

The Resolve
The psalm concludes with a quiet, clarifying verdict: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The end is not mere admiration but instruction—praise that becomes practice, reverence that becomes obedience. And the final note holds steady: God’s praise “endures forever,” anchoring wisdom in a reality that outlasts changing seasons and shifting human judgment.

---

Connection to Christ

Psalm 111 forms a doorway into Christ without forcing details. It celebrates God’s redeeming, covenant-keeping character—fully displayed in Jesus. In Him, God’s “works” are not only remembered but embodied: mercy with righteousness, holiness with compassion, justice with saving power. The psalm’s wisdom conclusion also finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is called the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). To fear the LORD rightly is not to hide from Him, but to come under His rule—and in Christ, that holy fear is met by holy love, drawing us into worship that becomes a transformed life.

---

Historical & Hebrew Insight

Psalm 111 is an alphabetic acrostic: each line begins with a successive Hebrew letter. This artistry slows the reader down—wisdom is not rushed. The form itself becomes a kind of discipleship, teaching the heart to “study” God’s works from A to Z with reverent attention.

---

Key Verse to Meditate

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” — Psalm 111:10

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. How does the psalm describe the psalmist’s commitment to praise?

A.It will be offered with a whole heart among God’s people.B.It will be kept private so no one else hears it.C.It will be delayed until personal problems are solved.D.It will be directed mainly toward human leaders.

2. What concluding verdict does the psalm give about wisdom?

A.Wisdom begins with wealth and success.B.Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.C.Wisdom begins with silence and isolation.D.Wisdom begins with forgetting the past.