1. Prasie the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever.
4. He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy,
8. they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name!
10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!
Footnotes:
111:1 - The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God with all our hearts, reflecting the importance of both communal and individual worship in the face of God's great works (see also Psalm 9:1 and Hebrews 13:15).
111:2-3 - The works of the Lord are great and majestic, inspiring awe. The psalm emphasizes that those who study them find pleasure, reflecting the importance of meditating on God's actions (see also Psalm 92:5 and Romans 11:33).
111:4-5 - God is gracious and merciful, always remembering His covenant. God's faithfulness to provide for and care for His people is a central covenant theme (see also Exodus 34:6 and Psalm 105:8).
111:7-8 - God’s works are faithful and righteous, and His commandments are steadfast. This highlights the immutability and justice of God’s decrees (see also Psalm 19:9 and Isaiah 40:8).
111:9-10 - God sends redemption to His people and ordains His covenant forever. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, highlighting the importance of living in reverence for God (see also Proverbs 1:7 and Colossians 2:3).
Verses related to Psalms, 111:
Psalm 111 is a hymn of praise for the greatness of God's works. How to recognize and celebrate divine wonders? This acrostic psalm exalts God's justice, faithfulness, and power manifest in His actions. The text emphasizes the wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord and the importance of remembering His deeds. Psalm 111 inspires gratitude and reverence, inviting reflection on divine goodness. Consider with us five biblical passages that echo the themes of praise and wisdom present in this uplifting psalm.
Deuteronomy 4:6: "Observe and practice them, so other people will see your wisdom and discernment. When they hear about all these decrees, they will say: 'Indeed, this great nation is a wise and intelligent people.'" - This verse echoes the theme of Psalm 111:10 about the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
Luke 1:49: "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is his name." - Mary expresses gratitude to God in a similar way to the psalmist in Psalm 111:2-4.
Joshua 4:6-7: "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?', tell them that the flow of the Jordan was stopped before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When the ark crossed the Jordan, the waters were stopped. These stones will be a perpetual memorial to the people of Israel." - This passage reflects the theme of Psalm 111:4 about remembering God's mighty works.
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - This proverb is almost identical to Psalm 111:10, emphasizing the importance of the fear of the Lord.
Revelation 15:3: "and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: 'Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of nations'." - This song in Revelation echoes the themes of praise for God's works found in Psalm 111.
FAQ:
What does Psalm 111 teach about the works of God?
Psalm 111 extols God's mighty works, highlighting His faithfulness, justice, and mercy. He is worthy of praise for His mighty deeds and His delivery to His people. (Psalm 111:2-4)
What does "the fear of the Lord" mean in Psalm 111?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to obedience. He calls us to respect, reverence, and follow God's ways as the foundation for a righteous life. (Psalm 111:10)
How does Psalm 111 describe God's faithfulness?
Psalm 111 affirms that God's works are true and righteous, and He keeps His promises forever, showing His faithfulness in all generations. (Psalm 111:7-9)
What can we learn about God's character from this psalm?
We can learn that God is just, compassionate, faithful, and worthy of praise. He acts in mercy, and His covenant endures forever. (Psalm 111:3, 4, 9)
Why should we praise God according to Psalm 111?
We should praise God for His wonderful works, His faithfulness, and for providing us with wisdom and understanding. His name is holy and worthy of eternal praise. (Psalm 111:1-10)
