Psalm 112

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness . God's Word is "a lantern unto their feet, and a light unto their paths" ( Psalms 119:105 )—sufficient under most circumstances to guide their steps aright. When this is not enough, he vouchsafes an inward light to them ( Psalms 27:1 ; Psalms 36:9 ; Isaiah 58:10 ; Isaiah 49:6 , etc.). He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous . It is a very forced interpretation to understand this as said of Jehovah. The entire... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

Light arising in darkness. I. LIGHT DOES SO ARISE . Morning by morning, if only we were astir to see it, the light arises out of the darkness. There comes the paling of the dark, and then the gradual dawn. And the method of it is full of suggestion as to like times of darkness. The light comes because the earth swings itself round into the light. The earth, unlike the people who dwell upon it, is obedient to the Divine law concerning her; and hence, though she be in darkness, she... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

Advantages of the good in times of calamity. "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." The illustration is taken from the beneficent and charitable man. Everybody is ready to help him when trouble assails him. But a widely operating principle is illustrated in his case. The good man always has the best of it in the dark times of life. Spurgeon says, "He does not lean to injustice in order to ease himself, but, like a pillar, stands erect; and he shall be found so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:5

A good man showeth favor, and lendeth ; rather, well is it with the man that showeth, etc. The verse is exegetical of the latter clause of Psalms 112:4 , and shows how the righteous man's compassion works. It makes him "show favor," or "kindness," to men generally, and "lend" to those who are in necessity (comp. Psalms 37:26 ; and for the duty of lending to the needy, see Deuteronomy 15:8 , Deuteronomy 15:11 ). He will guide his affairs with discretion ; rather, perhaps, with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:6

Surely he shall not be moved forever. God's blessing shall abide with him, and make his happiness sure and stable. (On stability as a necessary element in happiness, see Aristotle, 'Eth. Nic.,' 1. 10. § 7, 8.) The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance ; i . e . everlastingly remembered by God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:6

The Bible use of the word everlasting. This word is one which is used in common speech. Every one who speaks intensely is apt to speak extravagantly, and figures of speech are always capable of larger usage than the person who first employs them intended. Round the words eternal, for ever, and everlasting, Christian doctrines have gathered; the words have thus gained a precision of meaning; and it is difficult now to recover for them the simpler, colloquial meanings which belong to their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings . Confident in God's goodness to wards him, he will not anticipate misfortunes. They may come, as even the best man is not exempt from them; but he will not meet them half-way. His heart is fixed ; i . e . firmly established (see Psalms 112:8 )—settled on a sure basis— trusting in the Lord —the one basis that is solid and immovable. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

Not afraid of evil tidings. I. MOST PEOPLE ARE . The postman's knock, much more a telegram, will often set their hearts palpitating. They realize how precarious is the tenure by which they hold their good things; they have many times had experience of the instability of that in which they have most trusted; and hence they are afraid, etc. II. BUT OF THE SERVANT OF GOD IT IS SAID , " HE SHALL NOT BE AFRAID OF EVIL TIDINGS ." 1. As a fact,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

Trust-triumph over fears. "He will not be afraid of any evil tidings; for his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord." The good man of this psalm is evidently also a rich man, and a man in high position, who can exert a wide influence. Such men are more especially exposed to the influence of evil tidings. Illustrate by the case of Job, to whom the messengers of evil came one after another. Or give cases of merchants whose whole fortune is embarked in some ship, and who receive... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:8

His heart is established . Almost a repetition of the phrase in Psalms 112:7 , "his heart is fixed"—seemingly, therefore, superfluous, but really emphasizing the point, which is of great moment (see the comment of Hengstenberg, and compare the "just man" of Horace, 'Od.,' 3.3, 2. 1-8). He shall not be afraid . "Perfect love casteth out fear" ( 1 John 4:18 ). He who feels himself always and altogether in the hands of a loving Father cannot be afraid of what is about to befall him. ... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 112:8

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