ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 111
“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”
Psalms 111:10
The psalmist declares that wisdom begins with the fear of Yahweh, which anchors the understanding of those who follow his 'works'.
What Psalm 111 is about
The psalmist invites the upright to praise Yahweh wholeheartedly in the congregation (vv. 1-2). He speaks of the great works of Yahweh, which are honored and majestic. These works prompt delight in those who reflect on them (vv. 3-4). Yahweh provides food for those who fear Him and keeps His covenant (vv. 5-6). He shows His people the might of His works by giving them a heritage among the nations (vv. 5-6). The psalmist describes the works of Yahweh as truth and justice. All His commands are sure and established forever (vv. 7-8). Yahweh provides redemption for His people and ordains His covenant, which is holy and awesome (vv. 9). The psalmist notes that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. Those who do His work gain understanding (v. 10).
Those who fear Yahweh and do His work are promised wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 111 at a glance
- Psalm 111:1–2Invitation to Praise
- Psalm 111:3–4Celebration of God's Works
- Psalm 111:5–6Provision and Covenant Faithfulness
- Psalm 111:7–9Justice and Redemption
- Psalm 111:10Wisdom from Fear of Yahweh
Key verse: Psalms 111:10
One thing to notice
Verse 10 ends the psalm with a declaration about wisdom directly linked to the fear of Yahweh. This concluding thought connects practical living to reverence for God, while preceding verses detail God's works and character. The focus on wisdom is framed by the preceding reflections on His nature and actions.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 111 (WEB)
Invitation to Praise Psalm 111:1–2
1Verse 1. Praise Yah!I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart,in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.2Verse 2. Yahweh’s works are great,pondered by all those who delight in them.
Celebration of God's Works Psalm 111:3–4
3Verse 3. His work is honor and majesty.His righteousness endures forever.4Verse 4. He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered.Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
Provision and Covenant Faithfulness Psalm 111:5–6
5Verse 5. He has given food to those who fear him.He always remembers his covenant.6Verse 6. He has shown his people the power of his works,in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Justice and Redemption Psalm 111:7–9
7Verse 7. The works of his hands are truth and justice.All his precepts are sure.8Verse 8. They are established forever and ever.They are done in truth and uprightness.9Verse 9. He has sent redemption to his people.He has ordained his covenant forever.His name is holy and awesome!
Wisdom from Fear of Yahweh Psalm 111:10
10Verse 10. The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.All those who do his work have a good understanding.His praise endures forever!
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 111
Praise
In verses 1 and 2, the psalmist calls to 'Praise Yah' and expresses intentions to give thanks with 'my whole heart' in both the 'council of the upright' and the congregation. This communal aspect of praise reinforces the joy found in acknowledging the works of Yahweh. The setting implies shared delight among those who consider His great works, creating a rich atmosphere of collective gratitude.
Divine Faithfulness
Verses 5 and 6 mention Yahweh providing 'food to those who fear him,' demonstrating His faithfulness in caring for His people. The text asserts that He 'always remembers his covenant,' indicating a commitment that endures through time. This theme unfolds through the portrayal of His reliable provision and the enduring relationship with those who revere Him.
Covenant
In verses 5 and 9, Yahweh’s covenant is affirmed, stating that He 'always remembers his covenant' and that He 'has ordained his covenant forever.' This portrayal highlights the lasting nature of God's promises to His people, contributing to a sense of certainty and trust. The assertions regarding His covenantal faithfulness form a foundation for the community's relationship with Him.
Wisdom
Verse 10 states, 'The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom,' linking reverence for God to true understanding. The subsequent line asserts that 'all those who do his work have a good understanding,' connecting wise living with obedience to Yahweh's commands. This part of the psalm defines a clear relationship between the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and righteous action.
Explore wisdom in the Bible →Chapter outline
How Psalm 111 unfolds
Psalm 111:1–2 Invitation to Praise
The psalmist calls for collective praise by declaring, 'I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart' (v. 1) in the assembly, while noting that 'Yahweh’s works are great' (v. 2) and worthy of reflection.
Psalm 111:3–4 Celebration of God's Works
The psalmist states that God's works are characterized by 'honor and majesty' (v. 3) and that 'His righteousness endures forever' (v. 3), while emphasizing that 'He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered' (v. 4).
Psalm 111:5–6 Provision and Covenant Faithfulness
The text states that 'He has given food to those who fear him' (v. 5) and affirms, 'He always remembers his covenant' (v. 5), while revealing 'the power of his works' (v. 6) in granting 'the heritage of the nations' (v. 6).
Psalm 111:7–9 Justice and Redemption
The psalmist details God's works as characterized by 'truth and justice' (v. 7), affirming that His commands are reliable and eternal, culminating in the sending of redemption to His people (v. 9).
Psalm 111:10 Wisdom from Fear of Yahweh
The psalmist asserts that 'the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom' (v. 10) and notes that 'all those who do his work have a good understanding' (v. 10), concluding with 'His praise endures forever' (v. 10).
Key verses
Psalms 111:10The psalmist declares that wisdom begins with the fear of Yahweh, which anchors the understanding of those who follow his 'works'.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 111
- observeIn v1, what does the Psalmist commit to do with his 'whole heart'?
- observeWhat does v5 say that Yahweh has given to those who 'fear' him?
- interpretIn v9, what does the term 'redemption' imply about God's relationship with His people?
- interpretThe phrase 'fear of Yahweh' in v10: how does it connect to wisdom according to this Psalm?
- applyWhen has your understanding of God's 'covenant' (v5) influenced your actions in a specific situation?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 111
- Proverbs 9Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10Both affirm the fear of Yahweh: Psalm 111:10 says it starts wisdom, while Proverbs 9:10 states it begins understanding.
- Proverbs 1Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7Both speak of the fear of Yahweh: Psalm 111:10 begins wisdom, while Proverbs 1:7 begins knowledge.
- Psalm 139Psalm 111:2 and Psalm 139:14Both celebrate works: Psalm 111:2 calls them great, while Psalm 139:14 proclaims them wonderful.
- Job 28Psalm 111:10 and Job 28:28Both mention the fear of Yahweh: Psalm 111:10 calls it wisdom, while Job 28:28 states it leads to understanding.
- Ecclesiastes 12Psalm 111:10 and Ecclesiastes 12:13Both reference the fear of God: Psalm 111:10 describes it as wisdom, while Ecclesiastes 12:13 calls it duty.
- Psalm 19Psalm 111:7 and Psalm 19:7Both declare works true: Psalm 111:7 states His hands are truth, while Psalm 19:7 affirms the law restores.
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