Psalm 111 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 111 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Verse 2Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Verse 3Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
Verse 5He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
Verse 6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Verse 7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Verse 8They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
Verse 9He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
Verse 10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Devotion
Psalm 111 has its own beauty. It's an acrostic poem, which means that each of the twenty two phrases in it begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Poems have a special way of touching our soul.
But the little observation in the final verse, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," surely catches our imagination and provokes reflection. The "fear" that the psalmist advocates isn't the type that provokes a "fight or flight" reaction, but a fear that leads to wisdom.
This "fear" is reverence, respect and a willingness to obey and serve. "Wisdom" has to do with pleasing God in life and knowing the wholeness that comes to us when we are in harmony with God's intentions. Of course, this makes sense in our lives. When we love and respect God, we're on the way to becoming the wise person that God intends.
Here is something to always remember: if you are afraid that God will not like who you are and what you do, repent and say a prayer, but don't let that feeling of unworthiness keep you from welcoming a relationship with God that will make you a person of wisdom and joy.
Prayer
We long to know you and find the fullness of your presence, dear God. Send your Spirit to us and give us wisdom for this life. Amen.