Psalm 112 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Psalm 112 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

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King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Should we fear God?
See 2 Tim. 1:7.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

(112:1,3) According to this verse, wealth is a sign of righteousness. But this is contradicted in Luke (6:24) and James (5:1).
Is it good to be wealthy?
The author of the SAB uses a logical fallacy here. If God blesses certain persons that fear the Lord and delight greatly in his commandments, verse 1, it does not mean that someone who is wealthy is so because he feared the Lord. There is no link between begin wealthy and being blessed, Eccl. 10:7. It could even indicate the opposite, see Job 12:6.
If it is good to be wealthy: God only gives good things, we never read that he blesses people with scarcity. So wealth in itself can be a good thing. But wealth can also be dangerous. And sometimes a lack of wealth might be necessary. It seems we might do best by listening to the wise words of Agur (Prov. 30:7-9).

4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

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