How does Psalm 111:10 encourage lifelong obedience to God's commandments? Opening the Passage Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice His commandments have good understanding. His praise endures forever.” The Fear of the LORD: Foundation for Obedience • “The fear of the LORD” is a reverent awe that takes God at His Word, acknowledging Him as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer (Exodus 20:20; Proverbs 1:7). • This awe is not a one-time emotion; it is the lifelong posture that keeps the heart teachable and submissive to every command God gives. • By tying fear of the LORD to wisdom, the verse shows that genuine reverence always expresses itself in practical, daily obedience. Wisdom Begins, Yet Never Stops • The word “beginning” signals more than a starting point; it is the chief, controlling principle. • From childhood through old age, disciples never graduate from fearing God. Wisdom grows deeper, but the root remains the same. • Proverbs 9:10 and Job 28:28 echo this truth, confirming that the fear of the LORD fuels a lifetime of learning and obeying. Obedience as Practiced Wisdom • “All who practice His commandments have good understanding.” – Obedience is pictured as an ongoing practice, not an isolated event. – Understanding unfolds while we obey; light comes to the path as we walk in it (Psalm 119:105). • Jesus affirms the same pattern: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience demonstrates that wisdom has taken root. Good Understanding: Fruit of Obedience • The Hebrew idea behind “good understanding” includes insight, success, and skillful living. • Obedient believers experience clarity about God’s ways, which equips them to navigate life’s complexities (James 1:22-25). • Disobedience, conversely, clouds perception (Psalm 119:67, 104). Lasting Praise: Motivation for Lifelong Faithfulness • “His praise endures forever.” – God’s unending worthiness motivates continual obedience; He will always deserve wholehearted allegiance. – As we keep His commands, our lives join the eternal chorus of praise that never fades (Revelation 4:8-11). • The Psalm closes by lifting our eyes to God’s unchanging glory, reminding us that obedience now rehearses the worship we will offer eternally. Putting It into Daily Life • Begin each day by consciously revering God—acknowledge His sovereignty before facing any task. • Measure choices against His explicit commands (e.g., honesty, purity, love). • When confused, obey the clear instruction you already know; deeper insight follows practice. • Celebrate small acts of obedience as participation in God’s enduring praise. • Finish the day reflecting on how the fear of the LORD shaped decisions, asking His Spirit to deepen that reverence tomorrow. Other Scriptures Reinforcing the Principle • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — Fear, walk, love, serve, and keep His commands for your good. • Ecclesiastes 12:13 — “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” • Matthew 7:24-25 — The wise man builds on the rock by doing what Jesus says. • 1 John 5:3 — Love for God is expressed in keeping His commandments, and His commands are not burdensome. |
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