Psalm 112 picks up right where Psalm 111 left off. If “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” and if “all those who practice it have a good understanding” (111:10), then what does that person look like who fears God and obeys His commands? Psalm 112 answers that question by telling us that such a person will be like God Himself. In fact, everyone will be like whatever god he or she worships. Like the previous psalm, this one is also an acrostic in the Hebrew language, and both contain similar themes and phrases. In a word, the person who fears the LORD is “blessed.” To fear God is not to shake in terror before Him, but to bow in reverent awe. God is majestic and holy, and He is opposed to anything that diminishes His glory. So He is not to be taken lightly or treated as inconsequential. Rather, He must be obeyed in every situation—not out of mere duty, but great delight. Here is a godliness that “shows itself as an enthusiasm rather than a burden… To this man God’s Word is as fascinating as are His works to the naturalist (111:2);… what grips him is God’s will and call” (Derek Kidner). Does this describe you and me? (v 1). If so, then the blessings we may expect are many. To begin with, our children will be “mighty in the land.” This is not an absolute rule but a general pattern. If we joyfully serve God, our sons and daughters will also lead upright lives, becoming men and women of upright character and noble reputation (v 2). Also, as we grow in righteousness, we will gain “wealth and riches.” Of course, money is no proof of godliness, and there are many godly persons among the poor. But financial prosperity does tend to follow the person who loves wisdom and does what is right in God’s eyes (v 3). Since the LORD is “gracious and merciful” (111:4), those who reflect His compassion to others will shine as lights in a dark world (v 4). Since God generously provides for those who fear Him (111:5-6), good will surely come to His generous followers (v 5). And since God’s “righteousness endures forever” (111:3), and He is “faithful and just” (111:7), those will be long remembered who deal justly, without abusing their power (v 6). It’s not that the blessed man or woman faces no troubles. But when bad news comes, “they confidently trust the LORD to care for them” (v 7, NLT). When opposition comes, they have nothing to fear (v 8). And if others are stingy, they freely share resources, giving generously to those in need (v 9). By contrast, the way of the wicked will prove bitter, transient, and futile (v 10). For further meditation: