Psalm 111 10

Psalm 111:10 kjv

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.

Psalm 111:10 nkjv

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 111:10 niv

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10 esv

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:10 nlt

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever!

Psalm 111 verses

Psalm 111 10 Meaning

Psalm 111:10 concisely presents the essence of true wisdom. It declares that a reverent awe of the Lord is the foundational source of all genuine wisdom, implying that such wisdom is not merely intellectual accumulation but a practical skill for living righteously. This deep respect for God leads to active obedience to His commands, which in turn grants profound understanding and discernment. The verse concludes by affirming that the praise arising from God's character and deeds, as understood and lived out by His people, endures eternally, reflecting His unchanging nature and ultimate sovereignty.

Psalm 111 10 Context

Psalm 111 is an acrostic praise psalm, meaning each successive line (or half-line) begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order, from Aleph to Tav. This structured literary device emphasizes the completeness and perfect order of the divine truths presented, mirroring the orderly and perfect nature of God's works. The psalm is a joyful declaration of God's magnificent deeds, His righteous character, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His provision for His people. It celebrates God's power, justice, and mercy, often recounting specific acts in Israel's history as proof of His enduring goodness. Verse 10 serves as a summary and pinnacle of this praise, concluding the psalm by stating the correct human response to such a great God: reverent fear leading to wisdom, obedience, and eternal praise. Historically, it emerged from a wisdom tradition in Israel that viewed Yahweh as the sole source of all true understanding, in stark contrast to the surrounding pagan cultures which sought wisdom through human invention, divination, or appeals to various deities. The verse thus subtly yet directly posits God as the only origin point for profound understanding, thereby critiquing any alternate claims to ultimate knowledge.

Psalm 111 10 Word analysis

• The fear of the LORD (יִרְאַת יְהוָה - yir’at Yahweh):
  • Fear (yir’at): This Hebrew term denotes not terror or fright, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It is an acknowledgment of His transcendence and immanence, leading to submission and obedience. It's an inner disposition that manifests outwardly in one's life.
  • LORD (Yahweh): Refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent, faithful God who revealed Himself to Moses. It signifies His personal, covenantal relationship with His people, emphasizing His character as revealed in salvation history.
• is the beginning (רֵאשִׁית - re’shit):
  • More than merely a starting point, re’shit implies the chief, principal, or fundamental element. It is the preeminent, most important, and foundational aspect from which all true wisdom derives and upon which it is built. It denotes an origin that gives character and nature to everything that follows.
• of wisdom (חָכְמָה - chochmah):
  • In the biblical context, chochmah is not just intellectual knowledge but practical skill and discernment for living well, particularly in accordance with God's will. It is applied understanding that leads to righteous and prosperous living, guiding one in making wise decisions, interacting justly with others, and honoring God. It includes both moral insight and technical skill.
• A good understanding (שֵׂכֶל טוֹב - sekhel tov):
  • Good (tov): Signifies something excellent, beneficial, and morally right.
  • Understanding (sekhel): Implies intellectual discernment, prudence, and insight. It's the ability to grasp, comprehend, and make intelligent choices. A "good understanding" means a sound, wise judgment that is rooted in moral goodness.
• have all those who do His commandments (לְכָל עֹשֵׂיהֶם - l'chol oseyehem):
  • Do (עֹשֵׂי - osey): This is an active participle, emphasizing the consistent and ongoing practice of obedience. It highlights that true understanding is not merely theoretical but is demonstrated through one's actions and lifestyle.
  • His commandments (מִצְוֹתָיו - mitzvotav): Refers to God's divine decrees, instructions, and laws. These are not arbitrary rules but divine principles given for human flourishing and to guide humanity in relationship with God and one another.
• His praise (תְּהִלָּתוֹ - tehillato):
  • Refers to the glory, honor, and renown that are rightfully attributed to God. It can be interpreted as the result of His glorious actions, worthy of commendation, and the response of worship from His creation.
• endures forever (עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד - omedet la'ad):
  • Endures (עֹמֶדֶת - omedet): Signifies stability, standing firm, continuing.
  • Forever (לָעַד - la'ad): Denotes perpetuity, eternally, for all time. It indicates the timeless nature of God's praiseworthiness, implying His unwavering character and unending acts of goodness that warrant ceaseless adoration.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: This foundational statement establishes that true wisdom originates from a right relationship with God characterized by reverential awe and submission. It posits that all knowledge and discernment that truly lead to life and goodness flow from this core orientation toward God. It signifies that acknowledging God’s sovereignty and character is not an afterthought but the primary necessary condition for gaining wisdom.
• A good understanding have all those who do His commandments: This clause provides the practical demonstration and validation of the "fear of the LORD" leading to wisdom. It links theoretical wisdom to practical obedience, showing that genuine insight (sekhel tov) is manifest in living according to God's moral and ethical decrees. Obedience to divine instructions reveals a deep grasp of divine principles, resulting in a wise and discerning life. It illustrates that understanding is not static knowledge but dynamic adherence to God's will.
• His praise endures forever: This final declaration shifts focus from humanity's wisdom to God's eternal glory. It implies that God's acts, which provoke the reverent fear and understanding described in the first two clauses, are perpetually worthy of praise. The praise that is due to Him is as enduring as His character and faithfulness. This enduring praise is both a consequence of humanity living wisely in relationship with Him and an independent reality flowing from His eternal being.

Psalm 111 10 Bonus section

The acrostic structure of Psalm 111 underscores the completeness and totality of God's character and works, emphasizing that His wisdom covers every aspect of existence from "Aleph to Tav." This serves as a rhetorical device reinforcing the all-encompassing nature of the truth presented in verse 10. The concept of "good understanding" (שֵׂכֶל טוֹב) in this verse highlights that the wisdom granted by God's fear isn't just about accumulating facts, but about practical discernment, sound judgment, and moral clarity—qualities desperately needed in navigating a complex world. This is not simply about being 'smart' in a worldly sense, but about cultivating a heart and mind attuned to divine principles. The verse, positioned at the conclusion of a psalm recounting God's glorious works (creating the world, redeeming His people from bondage, providing for them), implies that recognizing and praising these works is part of the "fear of the Lord" that initiates wisdom. The phrase "His praise endures forever" connects to the enduring nature of God Himself and His covenant faithfulness, meaning His actions consistently warrant worship, and His character never changes. Thus, the foundation for our praise (His eternal worth) is as unchangeable as the source of our wisdom (His nature).

Psalm 111 10 Commentary

Psalm 111:10 is a masterful summation of biblical wisdom, succinctly stating its source, expression, and ultimate destination. It begins with the fundamental principle that "the fear of the Lord" is the very foundation and starting point of true wisdom. This "fear" is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence and awe for God's holy character, omnipotence, and loving authority. From this disposition springs a comprehensive wisdom (חָכְמָה), which is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for navigating life in alignment with God's design. This holistic wisdom then manifests as "good understanding" (שֵׂכֶל טוֹב) in the lives of those who actively "do His commandments." This emphasizes that authentic wisdom is not abstract but concrete, proven by righteous action and obedience to God's revealed will. The psalm's conclusion, "His praise endures forever," provides the ultimate context and purpose. It suggests that when humans gain true wisdom through revering God and obeying Him, their lives reflect God's goodness, bringing Him honor. Moreover, God's own glorious deeds and praiseworthy character are eternally significant and deserving of perpetual adoration, independently of human response. This verse encapsulates the harmonious cycle: reverence for God leads to wisdom and obedience, which in turn leads to God receiving everlasting praise.For practical usage, this means:

• Recognizing God's ultimate authority is the first step toward genuine insight.
• True understanding is demonstrated by how we live out His moral principles daily.
• A life lived in obedience to God brings Him honor that has eternal significance.