Psalm 111

A Bible Devotion from Psalm 111

The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom

1 Praise the LORD!

I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

2 The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3 His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. 6 He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. 8 They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and Awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.Psalm 111, NKJV

How interesting that this Psalm follows Psalm 110 which spoke of God's judgment and calls us to fear Him. This Psalm, however, speaks of the great works that God has done for His people. When pondering these things, we are called to fear God!

Fear, then, is explained in verse 10: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. When thinking of these two Psalms together we realize that both are true. We fear God when we think of His coming to judge the earth and everyone in it. We also fear God, meaning we have the beginning of true wisdom, when we think of all that He has done for His people.

Everyone will fear God! Whether out of judgment or love, every person will fear God and bow the knee to Him when He comes to judge this world.

Using what we learned from the 111th Psalm, pray today that you will be filled with the fear of God because of your great love and thankfulness to Him.

Next: Psalm 112 - Blessed Is the Man Who Fears the Lord