The Meaning of Psalms 111:10 Explained

Psalms 111:10

KJV: 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.

YLT: The beginning of wisdom is fear of Jehovah, Good understanding have all doing them, His praise is standing for ever!

Darby: The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his precepts: his praise abideth for ever.

ASV: The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do his commandments : His praise endureth for ever.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Psalms 111:10 Mean?

Study Notes

fear
Also; Psalms 112:1 .
fear of the Lord
The "fear of the Lord," a phrase of the O.T. piety, meaning reverential trust, with hatred of evil.

Verse Meaning

The writer may have quoted Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7 or Psalm 9:10, or Ecclesiastes 12:13.
"This famous saying is virtually the motto of the Wisdom writers, where its truth appears in various forms ..." [1]
In view of God"s great acts and faithfulness, fearing Him is the better part of wisdom. Obedience expresses reverential trust. Continuing worship is also appropriate. Some interpreters take the last clause as a prayer rather than a statement. [2]
God"s people should commit to memory the great characteristics and works of their God so they will remember to trust and obey Him.

Context Summary

Psalm 111:1-10 - The Works Of The Lord
A fresh series of psalms begins here, of which the dominant note is Hallelujah. This and the next are similar in construction, each being alphabetical; that is, the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The first is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving at the contemplation of Jehovah's works; and the second describes the righteousness which His chosen derive from Him. They are the work of an unknown minstrel, but anonymity is characteristic of the highest work. When a man has achieved a really noble and beautiful work, he is indifferent to the judgment and praise of his fellows.
Let us, as Psalms 111:2 suggests, take pleasure in God's works and seek them out. It is well to acquaint ourselves with some branch of natural study for this purpose. But the wealth of truth hidden in the precepts of the Word of God, Psalms 111:7, will still better repay us. God's works in nature, providence, and grace will be our theme and joy for eternal ages. A veil, however, is now on our eyes and a lethargy on our tongues. What precious phrases are scattered through this psalm! Full of compassion; meat for his own ever mindful of his covenant; redemption sent to his people; the covenant commanded forever. What strong consolation for those who have fled for refuge! In the closing verses wisdom is used, as in Solomon's time, of the intuitions of the pure heart. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 111

1  The psalmist by his example incites others to praise God for his glorious
5  And gracious works
10  The fear of God breeds true wisdom

What do the individual words in Psalms 111:10 mean?

[is] the beginning of wisdom the fear of Yahweh a understanding good all have those who do [His commandments] His praise endures forever
רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית חָכְמָ֨ה ׀ יִרְאַ֬ת יְהוָ֗ה שֵׂ֣כֶל ט֭וֹב לְכָל־ עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ עֹמֶ֥דֶת לָעַֽד

רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית  [is]  the  beginning 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct
Root: רֵאשִׁית  
Sense: first, beginning, best, chief.
חָכְמָ֨ה ׀  of  wisdom 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: חָכְמָה  
Sense: wisdom.
יִרְאַ֬ת  the  fear 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct
Root: יִרְאָה  
Sense: fear, terror, fearing.
יְהוָ֗ה  of  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.
שֵׂ֣כֶל  a  understanding 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: שֶׂכֶל  
Sense: prudence, insight, understanding.
ט֭וֹב  good 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular
Root: טָבַב 
Sense: good, pleasant, agreeable.
עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם  have  those  who  do  [His  commandments] 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine plural construct, third person masculine plural
Root: עָשָׂה 
Sense: to do, fashion, accomplish, make.
תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ  His  praise 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: תְּהִלָּה  
Sense: praise, song or hymn of praise.
עֹמֶ֥דֶת  endures 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, feminine singular
Root: עָמַד  
Sense: to stand, remain, endure, take one’s stand.
לָעַֽד  forever 
Parse: Preposition-l, Noun, masculine singular
Root: עַד  
Sense: perpetuity, for ever, continuing future.