Show Don't Tell: Psalm 112

Instead of saying "Those who fear God are blessed," watch righteousness in action. "Praise the LORD. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands." Acrostic—companion to Psalm 111. 111 praises God; 112 describes those who fear him. "Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever." Generational blessing, enduring righteousness. "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous." Light in darkness—not absence of darkness but illumination through it. "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice." Generosity rewarded. "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes." No fear of bad news—not ignorance but steadfastness. "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor." Scattering to the poor—generosity as worship. "The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." Gnashing teeth, wasting away—envy consuming.