Sometimes when we worship, we’ll sing songs that center around a theme — often to help focus our minds on a particular sermon. Each song builds on the previous, teaching us a poetic message. And in the Hebrew songbook — the Psalms — we find plenty of songs that fit together like that, building on each other to leave us a more complete truth.
In our Words of Wisdom Reading Plan, we just read one of these complementary songs, and we’re about to read the second on this week. So let’s head to Psalm 111 and 112, seeing how these two songs fit together as a Practical Pair of Psalms.
Why Study the Bible?
- These two psalms deal with an important question: What’s so important about studying about God in the Bible?
- The first answer we find is how delightful or satisfying it is to learn about God’s incredible works (Psalm 111:2).
- But moving beyond just an intellectual fascination about what God has done, we’re led to fear — or respect — the Creator of all things (Psalm 112:1).
- And that respect for God leads us to adopt what we learn about him, putting those things into practice in our own lives (Psalm 111:10).
- So, what has God done that demands our respect and imitation? Let’s look at three things we find throughout these two psalms.
God Is Immovable
- Psalm 111 speaks of how firm and reliable God is. “Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever” (Psalm 111:3). “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness” (Psalm 111:7-8).
- And Psalm 112 leads us to follow God’s immovable nature. “Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (Psalm 112:3). “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries” (Psalm 112:6-8).
- Are you reliable like God is, keeping your commitments and unshakable in times of trouble?
God Is Merciful
- Psalm 111 points to God’s grace and mercy he showers down upon his people. “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful” (Psalm 111:4). “He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!” (Psalm 111:9).
- And Psalm 112 highlights the importance of these qualities within us too. “Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous” (Psalm 112:4).
- Do you extend your grace and mercy to those around you, as God in Christ has extended it to you?
God Is Generous
- Psalm 111 explains how much God cares about the physical needs of humanity, taking care of us with sustenance. “He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever” (Psalm 111:5).
- And Psalm 112 describes a righteous man who also shows generosity to those around him. “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5). “He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor” (Psalm 112:9).
- Are you liberally giving others your time, attention, and resources the way God has abundantly provided for your needs?
Conclusion
These two psalms lead us to imitate our Father, whose wondrous works are worthy of all our praise. The more we know about the Lord through study, the more we respect him and want to follow him in stability, mercy, and generosity. “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalm 112:1).
