Psalm 111: The Fear of The Lord is Beginning of Wisdom

Introduction: Psalm 111 is a well written hymn of praise to the Almighty God, focusing on His works, His nature, and His covenant with His people. This psalm is an acrostic poem; each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, demonstrating the poet’s skill and underscoring the comprehensive nature of God’s majesty. This divine majesty is expressed in His works, His redeeming acts, His covenant, and His precepts.

I. The Call to Praise the Lord (Psalm 111:1)

Psalm 111 begins with a resounding call to worship, with the psalmist pledging his whole being to the praise of the Lord (Psalm 111:1). This invocation encourages believers to do the same, presenting an example of rejoicing in the Lord. The call to praise is echoed in Psalms 34:1, Psalms 35:18, and Psalms 50:23, indicating a pattern of exalting God among the faithful.

II. The Works of the Lord (Psalm 111:2-4)

In verses 2-4, the psalmist explores the majesty of the Lord in His works, which are described as great, full of honor and majesty, and a testament to His righteousness. This theme is reflected in Psalms 92:5, Psalms 104:24, and Psalms 145:5, which respectively describe the Lord’s works as deep, manifold, and meditative. The psalmist encourages the study of His works, inspiring reverence and awe.

III. God’s Faithfulness and Justice (Psalm 111:5-6)

In verses 5-6, the psalmist acknowledges God’s faithfulness and justice displayed through His provision and His mighty deeds. As seen in Exodus 34:6, Deuteronomy 32:4, and Psalms 36:5, the Bible consistently affirms God’s faithfulness and justice. In this section, God’s covenant with His people is prominently featured, alluding to His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

IV. The Precepts of God (Psalm 111:7-8)

The psalmist further explores the majesty of God by focusing on His precepts, which are described as sure, established forever, and done in faithfulness and uprightness (Psalm 111:7-8). The reliability of God’s precepts is echoed in Psalms 19:7, Psalms 119:138, and Psalms 119:152, underscoring the importance of His law in guiding the lives of His people.

V. The Redemptive Act of God (Psalm 111:9)

God’s majesty is also evident in His redemptive act, highlighted in verse 9. As seen in Exodus 15:13, Psalms 130:7, and Ephesians 1:7, the Bible consistently highlights God’s role as the redeemer of His people. The psalmist here celebrates the ultimate act of redemption: the institution of the covenant, which is eternal.

VI. The Fear of the Lord (Psalm 111:10)

Finally, the psalmist concludes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a theme also found in Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, and Job 28:28. The psalmist highlights the reverence and respect for God as the foundation of true knowledge and understanding.

Conclusion: Psalm 111 paints a majestic picture of the Almighty God, inviting believers to explore His greatness, His justice, His faithfulness, His precepts, His redemptive acts, and the wisdom inherent in fearing Him. This exploration leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s majesty, inspiring heartfelt praise and adoration for the Almighty God. The psalm encourages believers to carefully ponder the works, attributes, and precepts of the Lord, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.