The righteous is careful to maintain good works. Righteousness must, of necessity, cause the individual to do good deeds. As the psalmist concluded his psalm, he offers a contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
“He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honour.
The wicked will see it and be grieved;
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked shall perish.” Psalm 112:9-10
1. The righteous who fear the Lord
a) He has been blessed with wealth and riches (Psalm 112:3a).
b) He lends to those in need (Psalm 12:5a).
c) However, he graciously gives to the abject poor who will never be able to repay him.
d) His giving to the very poor extends beyond the pale of the nation of Israel.
2. The blessings of the Lord
a) “His righteousness endures forever”
i) There is imputed righteousness given by God.
ii) There is practical and personal righteousness (this is the focus of this text).
b) “His horn will be exalted with honour”
i) “Horn” is a reference to “power”.
ii) God will bless the righteous with honour.
3. “The wicked”
a) They will be upset with the lot of the righteous; but their grievance amounts to nothing.