Psalms 111:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 111:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Chapter Context
Psalms 111 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, righteousness, covenant. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 111:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Analysis
This verse presents the foundational principle for all wisdom: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' 'Fear' (Hebrew 'yirah') encompasses reverence, awe, worship, and recognition of God's authority. It's not servile terror but proper respect for God's character. 'Beginning' (reshit) can mean first in time, importance, or both - the fear of the LORD is both the starting point and the foundational principle of wisdom. Without proper relationship to God, all learning remains folly. The second clause expands: 'a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.' 'Good understanding' (sekel tov) means sound judgment, skill in living. Wisdom isn't merely theoretical knowledge but practical application - demonstrated through keeping God's commandments. Obedience validates understanding. The final phrase returns to worship: 'his praise endureth for ever.' Genuine wisdom results in perpetual praise. This creates a complete cycle: fearing God leads to wisdom, wisdom manifests in obedience, and obedience produces eternal praise.
Historical Context
This verse echoes Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10, establishing a consistent wisdom tradition in Israel. Unlike surrounding ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature which focused on pragmatic success, Hebrew wisdom rooted all understanding in relationship with YHWH. The 'fear of the LORD' was Israel's distinctive contribution to wisdom literature. In Solomon's time, Israel's wisdom tradition flourished, drawing seekers from other nations (1 Kings 4:29-34). However, even Solomon's wisdom proved insufficient when he abandoned the fear of the LORD (1 Kings 11). Post-exilic Judaism increasingly emphasized Torah study as the path of wisdom, making the connection between 'doing his commandments' and 'good understanding' explicit. The verse would be particularly meaningful to those who experienced exile's consequences of abandoning God's commands. In the New Testament, Christ becomes the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), and the fear of the Lord remains essential (2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:21). The eternal nature of God's praise reflects that wisdom rooted in God has eternal value, unlike earthly wisdom that perishes.
Reflection
- How is 'fear of the LORD' both the beginning and foundation of all genuine wisdom?
- What is the relationship between knowing God's commandments and doing them in the development of wisdom?
- Why is wisdom impossible to attain apart from proper reverence for God?
- How does this verse challenge modern education that separates knowledge from morality and God?
- In what ways should the eternal nature of God's praise shape our priorities and pursuits?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10
- Word: Ecclesiastes 12:13
- Good: Proverbs 3:4, Matthew 25:21, 25:23
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 4:6, John 5:44, 2 Corinthians 4:17