Psalm 111:10 - Majestic Is His Work
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
The concept of "the fear of the LORD" is foundational in biblical teaching, appearing frequently in wisdom literature such as Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7) and Job (Job 28:28). This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe for God's holiness and authority. It signifies a proper relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and righteousness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and its pursuit was seen as a path to a successful and righteous life. The phrase suggests that true wisdom starts with recognizing and respecting God's position as Creator and Judge.
all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.
The term "precepts" refers to God's commandments and teachings, as found in the Torah and throughout Scripture. Following these precepts involves obedience and a commitment to living according to God's will. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart aligned with God's purposes. The promise of "rich understanding" implies that those who live by God's laws gain insight into life's complexities and moral clarity. This understanding is not just intellectual but practical, guiding believers in making decisions that honor God. The connection to Deuteronomy 4:6 highlights how obedience to God's laws was meant to be a witness to the nations of Israel's wisdom and understanding.
His praise endures forever!
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's worthiness to be praised. Throughout the Psalms, God's enduring praise is a recurring theme, reflecting His unchanging nature and everlasting kingdom (Psalm 145:13). The idea that His praise endures forever points to the eternal impact of His works and character. In a historical context, this enduring praise is seen in the continuous worship practices of Israel, such as the temple rituals and festivals. Theologically, it foreshadows the eternal worship of God in the new creation, as depicted in Revelation 5:13, where every creature praises God. This eternal praise is a response to His faithfulness, justice, and mercy, which are evident throughout history and will continue into eternity.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, as well as His relationship with His people.
2. Wisdom
A key theme in biblical literature, often associated with living in accordance with God's will and understanding His ways.
3. Precepts
Refers to God's commandments and teachings, which guide believers in righteous living.
4. Praise
The act of worship and adoration directed towards God, acknowledging His greatness and eternal nature.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the LORD. This fear is not terror but a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority.
Living by God's Precepts
Following God's commandments leads to a rich understanding of life and aligns us with His will. Obedience to His word is a pathway to wisdom.
Enduring Praise
Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting God's eternal nature. As we grow in wisdom, our praise for Him should deepen and endure.
The Role of Reverence
Reverence for God is not just the start of wisdom but its continual source. It shapes our decisions, actions, and understanding of the world.
Wisdom in Community
Wisdom is not just personal but communal. As we follow God's precepts together, we build a community that reflects His wisdom and understanding.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 111What defines Radical Orthodoxy in theological terms?What is the beginning of knowledge?What is the beginning of knowledge?What does "Fear Is a Liar" mean?
(10) A good understanding . . .--Better, a good estimation have all they that do them. The parallelism here, as the context of Proverbs 3:4, decides for this rendering against that of the margin, "a good success." Not only is piety the beginning of wisdom, but righteousness wins good esteem. For by his praise we must certainly understand the praise of the good man.
Verse 10. - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (comp. Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Ecclus. 1:16; and also Job 28:28). The meaning seems to be that "the beginning of wisdom is not found in keen insight, nor wide experience, nor the learn-hag of the schools, but in the temper of reverence and awe. The fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy, self-abhorring, adoring, as in Job's confession - this for the Israelite was the starting-point of all true wisdom" (Dean Plumptre). A good under standing have all they that do his commandments; literally, that do them; but the "commandments" of ver. 7 are, no doubt, intended. His praise endureth forever. The praise "of him," not "of it," as in the Prayer-book Version. As he had begun (ver. 1), so the psalmist ends, with Jehovah's praise.
Hebrew
The fear
יִרְאַ֬ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence
of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
is the beginning
רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית (rê·šîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7225: The first, in place, time, order, rank
of wisdom;
חָכְמָ֨ה ׀ (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom
all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
who follow [His precepts]
עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם (‘ō·śê·hem)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make
have a rich
ט֭וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good
understanding.
שֵׂ֣כֶל (śê·ḵel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7922: Intelligence, success
His praise
תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ (tə·hil·lā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8416: Praise, song of praise
endures
עֹמֶ֥דֶת (‘ō·me·ḏeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations
forever!
לָעַֽד׃ (lā·‘aḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5703: A, terminus, duration, advance, perpetuity
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Psalm 111:10 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 111:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning (Psalm Ps Psa.)