Psalm 112 offers a fascinating glimpse into God’s good intentions toward those who turn to Him. It paints a rich picture of life shaped by what Scripture calls “the fear of the Lord,” a deep reverence, trust, and awe for God’s character and authority. The New Living Translation expresses it warmly: “Happy are those who fear the Lord… an entire generation of godly people will be blessed… They themselves will be wealthy.” This kind of wealth is not limited to numbers on a page or possessions in a closet. It is the steady presence of peace, contentment, and stability that cannot be shaken by circumstances. It is the sort of richness that does not disappear when the market dips or the washing machine decides it has completed its life mission. The fear of the Lord is not about dread; it is about alignment. When the heart is aligned with God’s wisdom, life begins to reflect His goodness in ways that go far beyond material gain.
Warren Wiersbe captures this balance well: “There is no security in things… they appear to be satisfying and lasting when they are actually temporary and unable to satisfy the deepest needs of life.” He adds that God wants His people to enjoy His gifts, not reject them with gloomy suspicion. There is nothing particularly noble about refusing joy simply because it does not last. Yet there is a danger in depending on what cannot sustain. Daily life constantly tempts people to measure worth by what they own, achieve, or display. It is easy to confuse blessing with possession. Jesus addressed that confusion directly: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). When the heart is centered on God rather than on things, enjoyment becomes freedom rather than bondage, and gratitude replaces anxiety over what might be lost.
Psalm 112 continues, “They confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless.” That kind of confidence does not come from circumstances behaving nicely; it comes from knowing God’s character. The New Testament echoes this assurance: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content… for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). In Jesus, this promise takes on its fullest meaning. He reveals a kingdom where treasure is measured differently and teaches, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). The fear of the Lord leads not to anxiety, but to a settled confidence rooted in Christ, where true wealth is found in the presence and faithfulness of God Himself.