What does Psalm 112:4 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 112; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 112:1–6 summarizes the blessings of a proper "fear" of God. This is not panic or terror. Instead, this means a humble, submissive, respectful admission of God as Lord. This is the starting point for all truth, and those who follow it save themselves from many problems. Generally, following the Lord's will, here on earth, leads to better outcomes than ignoring His wisdom. A life of godliness and justice is more likely to leave a legacy of success (Psalm 25:13; Proverbs 3:33–34; 8:32–36) than one of evil and perversion.
This psalm begins on a high note as the psalmist praises the Lord. He asserts that the man who fears the Lord is blessed; this is the overall theme of the psalm. This form of "fear" is a deep, submissive, reverent respect (Proverbs 1:7). The book of Proverbs frequently points out that following the Lord's will generally leads to better outcomes in this life (Proverbs 3:33). The person who learns from God can anticipate wisdom, assurance, and the blessings of a life lived in harmony with the Creator. In contrast, the wicked ones who reject God's leading are jealous and eventually find themselves lost.
