Psalm 111: The Beginning of Wisdom
Best for: Studying wisdom, seeking understanding
Psalm 111 ("The Beginning of Wisdom") is a praise psalm best read for studying wisdom, seeking understanding. Psalm 111 is an acrostic of praise celebrating God's works — great, honorable, righteous, and remembered forever. He provides food, remembers His covenant, and gives the heritage of the nations.
Overview
Psalm 111 is an acrostic of praise celebrating God's works — great, honorable, righteous, and remembered forever. He provides food, remembers His covenant, and gives the heritage of the nations. His works are truth and judgment, performed in faithfulness.
The psalm climaxes with: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' His praise endures forever.
Key Verses
"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 (KJV)
"The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein."— Psalm 111:2 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
Wisdom doesn't begin with intelligence or experience — it begins with fearing God. Reverence for God is the foundation upon which all true understanding is built.
Historical Context
An acrostic praise psalm (each line begins with a successive Hebrew letter) celebrating God's works. 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' closes the psalm with what scholars call the motto of Israel's entire wisdom tradition—the foundation on which all true knowledge is built.
How to Apply This Today
Wisdom doesn't begin with education, experience, or intelligence—it begins with reverent awe before God. Before making your next major decision, pause and ask: 'Am I approaching this with the fear of the Lord?' All the information in the world is useless without this starting point.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 111
Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart. The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. His praise endures forever. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 111 about?
Psalm 111 is an acrostic of praise celebrating God's works — great, honorable, righteous, and remembered forever. He provides food, remembers His covenant, and gives the heritage of the nations. His works are truth and judgment, performed in faithfulness. The psalm climaxes with: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' His praise endures forever.
What does Psalm 111 teach us?
Wisdom doesn't begin with intelligence or experience — it begins with fearing God. Reverence for God is the foundation upon which all true understanding is built.
What are the key themes of Psalm 111?
The key themes of Psalm 111 include: Wisdom, God's Works, Covenant, Fear of God.
When should I read Psalm 111?
Psalm 111 is especially meaningful for: Studying wisdom, seeking understanding. The overall mood is reverent, instructive.
How can I apply Psalm 111 to my life?
Wisdom doesn't begin with education, experience, or intelligence—it begins with reverent awe before God. Before making your next major decision, pause and ask: 'Am I approaching this with the fear of the Lord?' All the information in the world is useless without this starting point.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 111
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Theology & Doctrine
Fear (Yirah) (יִרְאָה (yirah))
Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.