Psalm 111 — The Works of the LORD Are Great | Genesis Bible Study
Key Verse — Psalm 111:10
“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.” — Psalm 111:10, KJV
Introduction
Psalm 111 is a song of praise celebrating the greatness, righteousness, faithfulness, and enduring works of the LORD. The psalmist does not praise God merely because of what he feels; he remembers what God has done.
Throughout this Psalm, we are invited to consider the works of God. His works reveal His character. He is gracious and compassionate. He provides for His people. He remembers His covenant. His commandments are trustworthy, and His redemption demonstrates His faithfulness.
The Psalm begins with praise and concludes with wisdom.
This progression is important. The more we understand who God is and consider what He has done, the more appropriate reverence becomes. Psalm 111 therefore connects the works of God, the Word of God, the fear of God, and the wisdom of God.
Opening Prayer
Father, I praise You with my whole heart. As I study Psalm 111, open my understanding to the greatness of Your works and the faithfulness of Your character. Teach me to remember what You have done rather than allowing present circumstances to make me forget Your goodness. Give me reverence for Your name, obedience to Your Word, and wisdom to walk according to Your ways. May my life continually give You praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Recall and Understanding
Read Psalm 111 and answer the following questions.
1. According to verse 1, how does the psalmist say he will praise the LORD?
2. How are the works of the LORD described in verse 2?
3. What characteristics of God are revealed in verses 3–4?
4. What has God given to those who fear Him?
5. What does Psalm 111 teach about God's covenant?
6. How are the works of God's hands described in verse 7?
7. What does the Psalm teach concerning God's commandments?
8. What has the LORD sent to His people according to verse 9?
9. What is called the beginning of wisdom in verse 10?
10. According to the conclusion of the Psalm, who possesses good understanding?
Expository Insight
1. Psalm 111:1 — “I Will Praise the LORD”
Psalm 111 begins with a deliberate decision:
“I will praise the LORD.”
Praise is presented as an intentional response to God. The psalmist declares that he will praise God with his whole heart.
Wholehearted praise involves more than words spoken with the mouth. The heart, mind, gratitude, remembrance, and affection are directed toward God.
The psalmist also speaks of praising God among His assembled people. Praise therefore has both a personal and a corporate dimension.
Consider:
Do I praise God only when circumstances are favorable, or have I learned to praise Him because of who He is?
Psalm 111:2–4 — The Works of the LORD Are Great
The psalmist turns our attention toward God's works.
The works of God are not meant to be quickly observed and forgotten. They are worthy of careful consideration.
Creation displays His power.
Provision displays His care.
Deliverance displays His power to save.
His covenant displays His faithfulness.
His commandments display His righteousness.
His works give His people reasons to remember Him.
Verse 4 particularly emphasizes remembrance. God has acted in ways that should not be forgotten.
There is spiritual value in remembering what God has already done.
Write down one work of God that you never want to forget:
Psalm 111:4 — Gracious and Full of Compassion
The works of God reveal the character of God.
Psalm 111 describes the LORD as gracious and full of compassion.
God's power should never be separated from His character. The God who performs mighty works is also gracious.
His compassion reveals His concern toward His people, while His grace demonstrates favor that originates in His own goodness.
When we study what God has done, we should ask:
“What does this reveal about who God is?”
Psalm 111:5 — God Provides
The Psalm remembers God's provision for those who fear Him.
Provision is another evidence of God's faithfulness.
The believer should therefore learn to recognize God's hand not only in extraordinary miracles but also in daily provision.
Food.
Shelter.
Strength.
Wisdom.
Opportunities.
Protection.
Help.
Grace for another day.
Many blessings can become ordinary to us simply because God provides them regularly.
What has God provided that I may have taken for granted?
Psalm 111:5, 9 — He Remembers His Covenant
A major truth appears in Psalm 111:
God remembers His covenant.
Biblically, remembering does not suggest that God had forgotten something and suddenly recalled it. It emphasizes His continued faithfulness to what He has established and promised.
Human circumstances change.
Generations change.
Nations change.
But God's faithfulness does not become unstable because circumstances have changed.
The covenant-keeping God can be trusted.
Psalm 111:7–8 — His Commandments Are Sure
The psalmist moves from the works of God to the commands of God.
His works are faithful.
His commandments are trustworthy.
There is no contradiction between God's character and God's instruction. Because He is righteous, His commands are grounded in righteousness.
The believer therefore does not obey God's Word merely because obedience is required. We obey because we recognize the character of the One who has spoken.
Trust in God and obedience to God belong together.
Psalm 111:9 — He Sent Redemption
The Psalm then celebrates redemption.
Redemption carries the idea of deliverance or release. Throughout Scripture, God's redemptive actions demonstrate that He is able to intervene on behalf of His people.
For the Christian, the biblical theme of redemption ultimately directs our attention toward God's saving work through Jesus Christ.
Redemption reminds us:
God does not merely observe humanity's need.
God acts to save.
Psalm 111:10 — The Fear of the LORD
Psalm 111 reaches its theological climax with the declaration:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
The fear of the LORD should not be reduced to terror.
It includes reverence, awe, recognition of God's holiness, submission to His authority, and a willingness to order our lives according to His Word.
Biblical wisdom therefore begins with the proper orientation toward God.
A person may possess information without possessing godly wisdom.
Knowledge asks:
“What do I know?”
Wisdom asks:
“How should I live because of what I know about God?”
Understanding and Obedience
Psalm 111 does not separate understanding from obedience.
The Psalm connects good understanding with doing God's commandments.
This is vital for Bible study.
We have not completed our study merely because we can explain a passage.
The Word must move:
From the page → into the mind → into the heart → into the life.
True biblical understanding should produce a response.
Personal Application
1. What does Psalm 111 teach me about the character of God?
2. What works of God in my own life should I remember and give thanks for?
3. Have I taken any of God's daily provisions for granted?
4. What does fearing the LORD mean in my daily walk with God?
5. Is there an area where I know God's Word but have not yet obeyed it?
6. How can remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen me in my present circumstances?
7. What does God's covenant faithfulness teach me about trusting Him?
8. What is one truth from Psalm 111 that I will put into practice this week?
My Remembrance of God's Works
Something God has done for me:
Something God has provided:
Something God has brought me through:
Something God's Word has taught me:
Something I need to obey:
Something I will praise Him for today:
Key Truth
Psalm 111 teaches us that the works of the LORD reveal the character of the LORD. He is righteous, gracious, compassionate, faithful, trustworthy, and worthy of wholehearted praise. As we remember His works, trust His Word, reverence His name, and obey His commandments, we grow in godly wisdom and understanding.
Remember
Study His works.
Remember His faithfulness.
Trust His Word.
Reverence His name.
Obey His commandments.
Praise Him with your whole heart.
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