Psalm 111 (110):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet speaks of wisdom through actions rather than words. In contrast, the wise men of the world define wisdom as the understanding of divine and human matters. This understanding is cultivated through the reverence of God, which abolishes vice, fosters virtue, and encourages a disdain for earthly matters while aspiring for heavenly ones. What could be wiser than such a soul? The prophet refers not only to the listener but also to the doer. ‘The mind is good in all who are led by it,’ meaning for those who adhere to the principles of wisdom and demonstrate it in practice, it is indeed ‘the mind that is good.’ He highlights a good mind because an evil one also exists, as illustrated: ‘they are wise for evil, but cannot do good’ (Jer. 4:22). Yet, a mind rooted in virtuous living is sought after. ‘His praise endures to the age of ages.’ What, then, is praise? It is the thanksgiving and glory that is due to Him eternally because of His deeds and is intrinsic to His very nature. God is immortal and, in Himself, deserving of adoration; however, He also receives praise when His majesty is contemplated in all creation and for His works when His wisdom is recognized in the visible realm. The prophet articulates this to inspire gratitude and to highlight that those who begrudge the unfolding of these realities do not merit any leniency. Indeed, if praise, thanksgiving, and glory are unmistakably, undeniably, and consistently His, eternal, limitless, and infinite, those who fail to recognize this contradict what is clearer than daylight and choose to remain willfully blind. For it is not a transient truth, subject to ignorance, nor is it obscure, but rather evident, enduring, eternal, always present, and without end.

This period of restraint is symbolized by the number forty, reflecting the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and our Lord Himself. The subsequent fifty days after our Lord's resurrection, during which we joyfully proclaim Hallelujah, signify not merely the ending of a time but denote the beginning of an everlasting state. The tithe mentioned in Matthew 20:10, when added to those forty days, represents the rewards promised to faithful laborers in this life, a bounty extended equally to those who have toiled long and to those who joined later. Therefore, let us attune our hearts to the divine praises of God’s people. The psalmist captures the essence of those whose hearts overflow with God’s love, representing the body of Christ, liberated from every form of evil.

“I confess to Thee, O Lord,” he declares with all his heart (Psalm 110:1). Confession does not solely represent acknowledgment of sins but, within faithful admission, the praises of God are unleashed. The one who laments exposes their wounds to the divine physician, while the one who rejoices gives thanks for healing. This final confession indicates not only a liberation from all evil but also a detachment from all malice. Consider the space where he wholeheartedly confesses to the Lord: “In the council of the righteous and of the assembly”—I envision those who will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). Within this council, no one will be unrighteous, no treachery like that of Judas will be found, nor any deceitful desire for the Spirit, as evidenced by Simon the Magician; nor will any evildoer like Alexander be present (2 Timothy 4:14), engaged in misdeeds, nor anyone cloaked in falsehood, pretending to be a brother. Such figures are those the Church currently bears with and will have to exclude when all the righteous converge. These are the mighty deeds of the Lord, executed in accordance with His will (Psalm 110:2), through whom mercy ensures no confessor is left unacknowledged, nor is wickedness left unaddressed (Hebrews 12:6). Let each person account for their deeds; the works of the Lord are structured so that created beings, endowed with free will, do not surpass the Creator’s intentions, even when acting against His design. God does not desire sin, hence He forbids it; yet if one does sin, it is crucial to recognize that it is not God's will being contravened by humanity, nor is He enabling sin. Just as He desired humanity to be sinless, He also yearns for the sinner's return, offering life through repentance. He is resolved to mete out justice upon those determined to persist in wrongdoing, ensuring that no one evades the face of justice. Regardless of the choices made, the Sovereign will seamlessly accomplish His divine will regarding you.

Confession and the glorious deeds of God are testament to His work (Psalm 110:3). What could be more splendid than redeeming the unrighteous? Yet a human's action might seem to obstruct this glorious mission of God so that, having acknowledged their wrongdoings, they then become worthy of justification. Such is the magnificence of the Lord’s work: He favors most those whom He forgives most (Luke 7:42-48). This is His magnificent work: where sin abounds, grace overflows even more (Romans 5:20). It is conceivable that a man might deserve justification through actions. But as stated, not by works, lest anyone boast. We are God’s handiwork, created anew in Christ Jesus to fulfill good deeds (Ephesians 2:9-10). A person cannot embody righteousness unless justified; it begins with faith in Him who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), allowing faith to precede good works, which serve not as a precondition to receive rewards but as a consequence of grace received.

He has performed marvelous acts to be remembered (Psalm 110:4), humbling one while exalting another. He reserves extraordinary miracles for suitable moments so that human frailty, ever seeking the extraordinary, might recall those even though His daily wonders surpass them. He created countless trees throughout the earth—yet none marvel at them; but when He withers one with a mere word, the hearts of man are awestruck (Matthew 21:19-20). Those miracles that occur frequently become commonplace, yet the meaningfulness of miracles is found in the reverence they inspire. Who would value riches if the gracious and benevolent Lord did not provide sustenance to those who honor Him? (Psalm 110:5) He offers food that endures and heavenly bread from above, gifts He reserves for His unworthy servants. For Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). No one would have offered such sustenance except this gracious and merciful Lord. However, if He has bestowed so much for this temporal existence, what awaits those who receive glory in the life to come? His covenant will always be in His remembrance; the pledges made follow their fulfilment.

He will reveal His people the might of His works (Psalm 110:6). Let not the holy Israelites, who relinquished all to follow Him, be disheartened; they should not lament wondering, “Who can be saved?” For indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of God. With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are achievable (Matthew 19:24-26). He bestows upon them the inheritance of the Gentiles. To the Gentiles, they conveyed the message, urging the affluent of this world to shun arrogance and reliance on fleeting wealth, and instead to trust in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17), to whom all that appears unattainable is within reach. Many were called, and so expansive was the heritage among Gentiles that even those who did not sacrifice all their worldly goods to follow Him often deemed earthly life unworthy for the sake of confessing His name; they, like camels bending low with burdens, managed to traverse what seems the impossible path through the challenges of affliction—acts He performed for Him to whom all things are possible.

The deeds of His hands embody truth and justice (Psalm 110:7). Let the truth remain steadfast regarding those subjected to judgment here. In this space, martyrs face judgment so they might not only condemn those who wronged them but also judge angels, against whom their earthly struggles were fought, even when they appeared judged by humanity (1 Corinthians 6:3). Let tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, or sword separate you from Christ (Romans 8:35). All His decrees are true; God does not deceive and fulfills His promises. However, our anticipation must not dwell on earthly offerings but on the eternal truths that endure through justice (Psalm 110:8). It is righteous and fair for us to labor here and find our rest there, for He has sent forth redemption to His people (Psalm 110:9). From what are they redeemed? From the shackles of this pilgrimage. Therefore, let us not seek solace in anything but the heavenly realm. It is true that God offered the Israelites an earthly Jerusalem, tied to their descendants; this pertains to the Old Covenant, to the old man. Yet those who grasped the allegory there became heirs of the New Covenant; for the free Jerusalem above, our eternal mother in heaven, stands firm (Galatians 4:25-26). The promise of the Old Covenant was transitory, as proven by its very nature; however, He commanded His covenant to last forever. What does the New entail? Whosoever desires to inherit it should not be deceived, nor should one imagine it to resemble a land flowing with milk and honey or fertile farmland, nor blissful gardens laden with fruit and shade; such covetous thoughts ought not to consume your focus. Since greed is identified as the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10), it must be uprooted and consumed here rather than deferred for compensations in the life to come. First, avert punishment and thus evade hell; before seeking God who promises, tread carefully before those who threaten. For holy and honorable is His name.

Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge is commendable (Psalm 110:10). Who can argue? Yet to understand without action is perilous. Consequently, it is best for those who will later act. Let such awareness not inflate pride, for the praise of Him whose fear is the foundation of wisdom remains for eternity; this shall be the reward, the ultimate culmination, the lasting abode. Here exist the true commandments, established perpetually; this embodies the true inheritance of the New Covenant, eternally decreed. “One thing,” the psalmist declares, “I have desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” For blessed are they who reside in His house: they shall forever praise Him, for His praise endures eternally.

The Prophet emphasizes this point, illustrating how the lover of goodness enriches themselves in the process, for God possesses a continuous and everlasting melody of praise, whether or not anyone chooses to sing it. It is noted that the Hebrews inscribe this psalm in alphabetical form, arranged according to the sequence of letters, and the subsequent psalm is similarly structured.

Alternatively, it can be interpreted that understanding is beneficial—not just to those who possess it but also to those who engage in good deeds and speak righteously.

Gregory also poses a question: What does it mean to say the beginning? He identifies it as a source, root, and foundation; for reverence undergirds growth and nurtures the spirit, likened to the swaddling of a child. Wisdom does not solely reside in contemplation marked by fear, but once the foundation of fear is laid and one is cleansed by it, one ascends to higher realms. Theodoret states that wisdom is characterized not by eloquence but by a deep comprehension of divine truths. Thus, the fear of God belongs to those at the outset of their spiritual journey, whereas love is drawn to those who are mature in faith.

Theodoret elaborates further, suggesting that the fear of God represents the primal element of wisdom. This wisdom is not merely articulated in words; it encompasses actions as well, extending beyond eloquence to include an understanding of both divine and earthly matters. This knowledge fosters fear of God, which eradicates evil, cultivates virtue, and leads the soul to heavenly realms. What could be wiser than such a soul? Theodoret emphasizes that knowledge in isolation is insufficient for true perfection; it must be paired with action. A person touched by divine wisdom must reveal their understanding through deeds, thereby embodying what is recognized as authentic wisdom, which shines through actions rather than mere speech. Therefore, genuine wisdom resides in those who practice it rather than in those who merely preach it, as it necessitates not just being a listener but also a doer, as Nicetas points out.

Eusebius remarks that reasoning finds its virtue in actions. This understanding is regarded as good not solely in itself but in those who labor earnestly in it. Didymus notes that reasoning aligns with virtue, leading practitioners to discern its value. And thus, it is affirmed that the praise of Christ endures eternally among angels and humanity alike. Consequently, we, too, should perpetually offer our gratitude and praise to Him.

In the words of Goldilocks, what constitutes praise? It is gratitude expressed through righteous actions. Eusebius continues that the ultimate desire of the blessed is to be united with God, to be in His presence, and to engage in theological discourse and adoration of Him. Didyma observes that for theologians, their praise of God, the subject of their reflections, remains timeless. Since the One they extol is immortal, it is only fitting that the praise bestowed upon Him is also eternal and unwavering.

The prophet Isaiah beautifully illustrated the value of this reverence when he declared, “The riches of salvation are wisdom and understanding; the fear of the Lord, this is his treasure” (Isaiah 33:6). He could not have conveyed the significance and efficacy of this reverence more clearly than by stating that it safeguards the riches of our salvation, which encompass divine wisdom and understanding. It is not the wicked, but the righteous, who are called to this reverence through prophetic announcement. “Fear the Lord,” the Psalmist exhorts, “all His saints, for there is no scarcity in them that fear Him” (Psalms 33:10), meaning that those who possess this reverence for the Lord lack nothing. The other kind of tormenting fear, however, is addressed by the apostle John when he writes, “He that fears is imperfect in love, because in fear there is torment” (1 John 4:18). Thus, a clear distinction exists between the reverence that is fulfilling, which is the treasure of wisdom and understanding, and the flawed fear known as “the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 110:10), which, due to its torment, is expelled from the hearts of those who have reached the fullness of love. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn. 4:18). If fear is indeed the beginning of wisdom, what then is its perfection if not a love for Christ that encompasses the reverence of perfect love, transforming it from mere beginnings into the treasure of wisdom and understanding? Hence, there are two levels of reverence, one pertaining to novices who remain under the burden of servile fear, of which the prophet states, “The slave honours his master” (Mal. 1:6), and similarly in the Gospel, “I no longer call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing” (Jn. 15:15), and thus it is said, “the slave does not remain in the house forever” (Jn. 8:35).

Therefore, a God-fearing spirit remains vigilant everywhere and always, in public and in private, conscious of good and mindful of all evil. It is enveloped in the reverence of God, steadfast against wickedness. When faced with demonic temptations or evil thoughts, it is filled with dread and calls out to God: “Lord, help me!” Thus, it stands firm against evil. The fear of God serves as the root of all virtuous endeavors. The foundation of wisdom is the reverence for the Lord (Psalm 110:10).

The closing lines of the Psalm are interpreted by some as referring to God, while others view them as directed towards the individual who reveres God and complies with His will and divine reason, to whom the promise is made that he will dwell in the house of the Lord for all his days. He will join in perpetual praise of God, and God will honor him as a good and faithful servant; thus, he will receive eternal commendation from the angels and all the children of God, in accordance with the profound declaration: The righteous shall be remembered forever; he will not fear evil tidings (Ps. 111:6, 7).

We must dedicate our entire being to Him, as the law commands: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). The greatness of the Lord’s works is evident, as with a single word He brought forth heaven and earth—what He declared came into being. God’s will elevates some and humbles others.