(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 112:1-10)

In Proverbs 9:10, we are told that, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

For the world to desire wisdom is normal, and perhaps even expected, however the source of wisdom doesn’t begin in the world, but it begins in the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord, however, isn’t terror or being afraid of the Lord, but it is an awe-filled reverence. It is the response we have when we recognize who God truly is—holy, faithful, powerful—and because of this, we willingly place our life under His authority.

In today’s Psalm, we also read of the blessings that come to the person who fears the Lord.

1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is a person who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the source of blessing for those who respond by willingly placing their life under His authority. Blessings are for those that greatly delight in His commandments, because His commandments are His word, wisdom, love, and authority.

7 He will not fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is firm, he will not fear, but will look with satisfaction on his enemies.

The person who fears the Lord, will not fear the world, because fear of the Lord leads to understanding that the Lord is in control, is God over all the world, and is the author of all creation from beginning to end. Fear of the Lord leads to security, because although the world may change, life circumstances may change, but through all the challenges and struggles life presents, there is an underlying trust in the Lord.

10 The wicked will see it and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked will perish.

Yes, the world does not understand, and may never understand, but for us that have been touched by the Spirit, and for us that are in the Lord through Jesus Christ, may we live knowing that we fear to not fear. We fear the Lord, an act of awe-filled reverence, and willingly place our life under His authority, to not fear the world.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 112