Psalms – Chapter 111

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 111 opens with the words: "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments." Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's mercy and forgiveness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.

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

3Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

4To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate and just.

5Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment:

6Because he shall not be moved for ever.

7The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing. His heart is ready to hope in the Lord:

8His heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.

9He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory.

10The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Important Verses in Psalms 111

“Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.”

Psalms 111:1

“To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate and just.”

Psalms 111:4

“The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing. His heart is ready to hope in the Lord:”

Psalms 111:7

“The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. ”

Psalms 111:10

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 111 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments." The chapter ends with: "The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall…" In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2578). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 111 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Psalms Chapter 111, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 111 about?

Psalms 111 contains 10 verses. It opens with "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments." and closes with "The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 111?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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