Psalms 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.Psalms 111:10
What does Psalms 111:10 mean?
The psalmist declares that fearing the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and that good understanding belongs to those who keep His commandments. It echoes a theme repeated elsewhere in Scripture: real wisdom starts with reverence for God, not apart from it.
Context
Psalm 111 is a psalm of praise, structured as an acrostic, celebrating God's works and character. Verse 10 closes the psalm by tying that praise back to practical wisdom — the same conclusion reached independently in Proverbs 9:10, suggesting this was a well-established conviction across Israel's wisdom and worship traditions.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Bible study
- Why do you think this psalm of praise ends with a statement about wisdom, rather than simply more praise?
- How does 'good understanding' get tied to keeping God's commandments in this verse?
- How does this verse compare to the very similar statement in Proverbs 9:10?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
LORD, teach me to fear You rightly, and let that reverence grow into real understanding in how I live. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
How is this verse similar to Proverbs 9:10?
Both state that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, appearing independently in a wisdom book (Proverbs) and a psalm of praise, showing this was a widely held conviction.
What kind of psalm is Psalm 111?
It's a psalm of praise structured as an acrostic (following the Hebrew alphabet), celebrating God's works and character before closing with this statement on wisdom.