Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 112

1 PRaise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD , that delighted greatly in his commandments .

The fear of God, as it is mans onely wisdom, Psal. 111. 10. so it is his onely way to true happiness.

Who makes it his chief delight, care and business to study and obey Gods commandments.

He intimates that zeal and fervency in Gods service, is essential to true piety.

Marginal references: Heb. Hallelujah.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

i. e. The posterity, as this word is oft used, as Levit. 23. 43. Numb. 9. 10, &c. called his seed in the former branch.

3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house : and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Possessed by him whilst he lives, and continued in his family after his death.

i. e. The fruit or reward of his righteousness, which is Gods blessing upon his estate: for the work is oft put for the reward of it, as in the Hebrew, Levit. 19. 13. Iob 7. 2. Psal. 109. 20. And righteousness may be here taken for his bounty or charity, as it is below v. 9. and as this Hebrew word is frequently taken.

4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness : he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

And although he is subject to the troubles and calamities of this life, as others are, yet God will give him support and comfort in them, and an happy issue out of them, whereas the wicked sink under their burdens, and their present miseries usher in their eternal destruction.

Either, 1. God. And so this is added as a reason why God causeth light to shine to the upright out of darkness, because the Lord is gracious, &c. Or rather, 2. the good or upright man, of whom he speaks both in the foregoing and following words. So this is either, 1. a reason why God dealeth thus with good men; it is not from a partial and fond affection to them, but because they are such persons to whom God hath ingaged himself by promise and Covenant to bless them, they are gracious, &c. Or, 2. as an effect of their affliction and deliverance out of it; thereby they learn to be more merciful and compassionate and just or bountiful to others in want and misery.

Marginal references: Psal. 97. 11.

5 A good man sheweth favour and lendeth ; he will guide his affairs with discretion .

Giveth freely to some, and kindly lendeth to others according to the variety of their conditions.

Maintain and manage his estate or domestick affairs.

Heb. with judgment, so as is fit and meet, and as God requires, not getting his estate unjustly, nor casting it away prodigally or wickedly, nor yet withholding it uncharitably from such as need it.

Marginal references: Heb. words.; Heb. judgment.

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever : the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance .

Though he may for a season be afflicted, yet he shall not be utterly and eternally destroyed, as wicked men shall.

Though whilst he lives he may be exposed to the censures and slanders and contradictions of sinners, yet after death his memory will be precious and honourable both with God and with all men, his very enemies not excepted.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings : his [illegible: 1 word] fixed, trusting in the LORD .

At the report of approaching calamities and judgments of God, at which the wicked are so dismayed and affrighted.

Casting all his care upon God, and securely relying upon his providence and promise.

8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies .

And although his enemies be many and mighty and terrible, yet he shall confidently and cheerfully wait upon God, until he see their ruine and his own deliverance and safety.

Marginal references: Prov. 1. 3

9 He hath dispersed , he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever ; his horn shall be exalted with honour .

To wit, his goods, and that freely and liberally, to several persons, as occasion is offered, as this word implies.

i. e. His liberality, as this word is used Prov. 10. 2. & 11. 4. Dan. 4. 27. 2 Cor. 9. 9, 10, &c. or the reward of it, as before v. 3.

Either, 1. his charity is not a transient or occasional act, but his constant course, of which he is not weary, but perseveres in it to the end of his life. Or, 2. what he gives is not lost nor cast away, as covetous or ungodly men judge of alms, but indeed is the onely part of his estate, which will abide with him unto all eternity.

Though he may be reproached by ungodly men, yet his innocency shall be cleared, and his name and honour gloriously exalted.

Marginal references: 2 Cor. 9. 9; Psal. 75. 10

10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved , he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish.

At the felicity of good men, partly from envy at the happiness of others: partly from his peculiar hatred of all godly men: and partly because it is a plain testimony of Gods justice and providence, and therefore a certain presage of his own ruine.

His desire either of the misery of good men; or of his own constant prosperity and happiness in the world.