Psalms
Chapter 112
This psalm describes the person who honors the LORD and loves what he commands. It lists what comes to that person: strong children, a well-run household, steady courage when bad news arrives, and generosity toward the poor. It closes with the wicked man watching all this and coming to nothing.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
1Praise the LORD! Happy is the person who honors the LORD and takes great joy in what he commands.
2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
2His children and their children will be strong in the land. The family of upright people will be blessed.
3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
3There is plenty in his house, and he does what is right. His right living lasts forever.
"Wealth and riches" in the old wording simply means the house has more than enough.
4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
4Even in dark times, light rises for people who live rightly. This person is kind, full of pity, and fair.
5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
5Things go well for the man who gives freely and lends to others. He handles his business fairly.
6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
6He will never be shaken. People will remember the man who does right, always.
7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
7He is not afraid when bad news comes. His heart is steady, because he trusts the LORD.
8His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8His heart is settled and unafraid, until at last he sees his enemies beaten.
9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9He has handed out gifts freely to poor people. His right living lasts forever. He will be raised up and honored.
"His horn shall be exalted" is a picture from animals: a raised horn meant strength and honor.
10The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
10The wicked man will see this and be upset. He will grind his teeth and waste away. What the wicked want will come to nothing.
Grinding or "gnashing" the teeth was a way of showing anger and bitterness.
← → to turn the page · P for plain English · click a verse to sit with it