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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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The Wisdom Books
- Psalms
  - Chapter 112

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Chapter 112

^¹ Hallelujah! ^² Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in God's commands.

Their descendants shall be mighty in the land, generation upright and blessed.

^³ Wealth and riches shall be in their homes; their prosperity shall endure forever.

They shine through the darkness, a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and just.

All goes well for those gracious in lending, who conduct their affairs with justice.

They shall never be shaken; the just shall be remembered forever.

They shall not fear an ill report; their hearts are steadfast, trusting the LORD.

Their hearts are tranquil, without fear, till at last they look down on their foes.

^⁴ Lavishly they give to the poor; their prosperity shall endure forever; their horn shall be exalted in honor.

The wicked shall be angry to see this; they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked come to nothing.

1 [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children (⇒ Psalm 112:2), wealth that enables them to be magnanimous (⇒ Psalm 112:3, 5, 9), and virtue by which they encourage others (⇒ Psalm 112:4). The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled (⇒ Psalm 112:10). The logic resembles Psalms 1; 111.

2 [1] Happy are those: literally, "Happy the person." "Person" is used typically, hence the plural translation.

3 [3] Prosperity: literally, "justice." In the Second Temple Period the word acquired the nuance of liberality and almsgiving. Cf ⇒ Sirach 3:30; ⇒ 7:10; ⇒ Matthew 6:1-4.

4 [9] Their horn: the symbol for vitality and honor.

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