The Blessings of a Righteous Life: Explanatory Notes on Psalm 112

Reflecting on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days after Sunday (Year B)

Scripture

Semi-continuous: Psalm 55:1-15; Job 11:1-20; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

Complementary: Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 24:1-5; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

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Prayer

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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Reflection

Praise the Lord!

    Happy are those who fear the Lord,

    who greatly delight in his commandments.

Their descendants will be mighty in the land;

    the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in their houses,

    and their righteousness endures forever.

They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;

    they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with those who deal generously and lend,

    who conduct their affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved;

    they will be remembered forever.

They are not afraid of evil tidings;

    their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

Their hearts are steady; they will not be afraid;

    in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor;

    their righteousness endures forever;

    their horn is exalted in honor.

The wicked see it and are angry;

    they gnash their teeth and melt away;

    the desire of the wicked comes to nothing (Psalm 122).

Verse 1 / “Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.”

The psalm begins with a call to praise God and sets the theme of reverence. To “fear the Lord” doesn’t mean being scared, but living with awe and respect for God’s majesty and holiness. Those who “delight in his commands” find joy in obeying God, not as a burden, but as a fulfilling part of life. This is the starting point of blessedness.