"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever."
Psalm 111:10
Part 2
“A good understanding have all they that do his commandments.”
Good understanding:
Clarke’s translation once again,
“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah; good discernment to the doers”[1] (Clarke).
How is it possible for a sinful man or woman to have this kind of “discernment” (understanding)? It must begin with a new relationship with Jehovah, and that demands the sinner’s proper fear of Him. Then by his/her obedience to God’s commandments, he/she may have this understanding.
Did you notice who can have this kind of understanding? The verse says, “have all they, that do His commandments.” Everyone “fearing God,” and “doing His commandments” is included in successfully receiving God’s “understanding.” Before going into the Promised Land, Joshua reminded the Children of Israel of the importance of their obedience to God’s Word to their success.
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:7-8).
Do His commandments:
Jesus said,
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).
“His praise endureth forever.”
Surely we will praise our God, Lord, and King forever! We begin our praise here at salvation, and we continue it throughout our lives. And our praises will ring through eternity!
“I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee forever and ever” (Psalm 45:17).
“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name forevermore” (Psalm 86:12).
“…I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name forever and ever. Every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1-2).
“His praise endureth forever.”
“Some regard this sentence as referring to those who fear the Lord – their praise shall endure for ever: and, indeed, it is true that those who lead obedient lives shall obtain honor of the Lord, and commendations which will abide forever. A word of approbation from the mouth of God will be a mede of honor which will outshine all the decorations which kings and emperors can bestow” (Spurgeon).
Jesus said,
“If any man serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serves me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26).
Believers be encouraged!
Quote: “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23).
[1] Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.