Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 111:1-10

"Praise ye Jehovah. I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart, In the council of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honor and majesty; And his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful. He hath given food unto them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath showed his people the power of his works, In giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are truth and justice; All his precepts are sure. They are established for ever and ever; They are done in truth and uprightness. He hath sent redemption unto his people; He hath commanded his covenant for ever: Holy and reverend is his name. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: His praise endureth for ever." — Psalms 111:1-10 (ASV)

The psalmist resolves to praise God himself. Our exhortations and our examples should agree. He recommends the works of the Lord as the proper subject when we are praising him, and the dealings of his providence toward the world, the church, and particular individuals.

All the works of the Lord are spoken of as one: it is his work. So admirably do all the dispensations of his providence center in one design. The works of God, when humbly and diligently examined, will all be found just and holy.

God's pardoning sin is the most wonderful of all his works and should be remembered to his glory. He will always be mindful of his covenant; he has always been so, and he always will be so.

His works of providence were done according to the truth of the divine promises and prophecies, and so they were truth. They were also done by him who has a right to dispose of the earth as he pleases, and so they are righteous. This also holds true for the work of grace upon the human heart (verses 7-8). All God's commandments are sure; all have been fulfilled by Christ and remain with him as a rule for our walk and conduct.

He sent redemption to his people, out of Egypt at first, and often afterwards. These were typical of the great redemption, which in the fullness of time was to be accomplished by the Lord Jesus.

Here his everlasting righteousness shines forth in union with his boundless mercy. No one is wise who does not fear the Lord; no one acts wisely except as influenced by that fear.

This fear will lead to repentance, to faith in Christ, to watchfulness, and to obedience. Such persons have a good understanding, however poor, unlearned, or despised.