Psalms 112:3
Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
בְּבֵית֑וֹ
shall be in his house
H1004
בְּבֵית֑וֹ
shall be in his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 6
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְ֝צִדְקָת֗וֹ
and his righteousness
H6666
וְ֝צִדְקָת֗וֹ
and his righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
4 of 6
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
Cross References
Proverbs 15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.Proverbs 3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Isaiah 33:6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.Psalms 111:3His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Isaiah 51:8For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Historical Context
This verse reflects Old Covenant paradigms where material blessing often accompanied covenant faithfulness, though never mechanically. The wisdom tradition recognized exceptions (Job, many psalms of lament) while maintaining the general principle that God blesses righteousness. Post-exilic Judaism wrestled with this tension as the restored community experienced poverty despite renewed Torah obedience. The New Testament maintains continuity (God provides for His children) while shifting emphasis to eternal, spiritual riches in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers enjoy material blessings without making them the measure of spiritual health?
- What is the relationship between God's promise to provide (Matthew 6:33) and the reality that many faithful believers experience poverty?
- How does the eternal endurance of righteousness relativize temporal wealth's importance?
Analysis & Commentary
Wealth and riches shall be in his house (הוֹן־וָעֹשֶׁר בְּבֵיתוֹ)—Hon (wealth, substance) and osher (riches) are near-synonyms emphasizing material prosperity. Beito (in his house) suggests household flourishing—economic stability providing for family needs. This reflects Deuteronomic covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) but must be read within wisdom literature's nuanced treatment of wealth. Proverbs acknowledges that riches sometimes attend righteousness (Proverbs 10:4, 22) while warning that wickedness also produces wealth (Proverbs 11:4) and that godliness with contentment surpasses riches (Proverbs 15:16).
And his righteousness endureth for ever (וְצִדְקָתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד)—Tsidqato (his righteousness) here likely means both moral character and the righteous deeds flowing from it. Omedet (stands, endures) contrasts temporal wealth with eternal righteousness. While riches remain in the house (temporal), righteousness remains forever (eternal). This anticipates Jesus's teaching about treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and Paul's affirmation that only faith, hope, love abide (1 Corinthians 13:13).