Inspired by Psalm 111, this conversation between two friends draws lessons about the nature of God’s works, His covenant faithfulness, our redemption in Christ, and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
Scene: Two friends sitting at a park bench after a long day.
Jordan leaned back as he watched the sky fade into dusk. “You ever feel like people just forget how much God has done? I mean, we celebrate all kinds of things, but the biggest works of God seem like background noise.”
Naomi nodded. “That’s exactly why Scripture starts with praise — to remind us to say it out loud, not just think it. His works aren’t just good; they’re great. They deserve study, reflection, and remembering. The more you look, the more you realize how majestic and righteous He is.”
Jordan sighed. “Righteousness feels rare in the world. Everything shifts — laws, opinions, what’s considered ‘right.’”
Naomi smiled. “That’s why God’s righteousness stands out. It endures forever. His commands, His works, His character — they don’t bend with culture or convenience. That’s why we can trust Him when everything else feels shaky.”
Jordan leaned forward, thoughtful. “And it’s not just about what He’s done in the past, right? It’s about provision today, too. Like the way He provided food in the wilderness — that wasn’t random. He remembered His covenant.”
Naomi pointed. “Exactly. Every act of care is tied to His promises. He doesn’t forget what He’s sworn. And it’s not just about daily bread — it’s also about inheritance. Israel didn’t earn the land; God gave it. Everything we truly need, He provides by His power, not ours.”
Jordan paused. “So His Word — His precepts — they’re permanent. No wonder Scripture says they’re established forever. Makes me realize how temporary my own words feel.”
Naomi chuckled. “True. Human words blow away with the wind, but His precepts are trustworthy. They call us to faithfulness and upright living. And right in the middle of it all is His greatest work — redemption. He sent redemption to His people, and for us, that redemption is Christ.”
Jordan nodded slowly. “Redemption is what ties it all together. Without it, we’d still be lost. But through the cross, He proved again that His covenant stands.”
For a moment, both sat in silence as the evening air cooled.
Jordan broke it softly. “So what’s the takeaway here? That wisdom starts with fear of the Lord?”
Naomi smiled. “That’s the heart of it. Wisdom isn’t about how smart you are or how many facts you know. It’s about reverence — a humble awe of God, submitting to His authority, and letting His ways shape yours. That’s why it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Without Him, you don’t even have a starting point.”
Jordan looked out at the fading horizon. “So — we study His works, trust His promises, live by His Word, rest in His redemption, and walk in reverent fear. That’s wisdom, isn’t it?”
Naomi nodded. “That’s wisdom. And that’s why His praise will never end.”
Inspired by Psalm 111, we see that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, rooted in His unchanging righteousness, His faithful covenant, His redeeming power, and His works that call for eternal praise.
Created by Steve
God’s Word…
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Psalm 111
Praise for the Lord’s Works
1 Hallelujah![a]
I will praise the Lord with all my heart
in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The Lord’s works are great,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 All that He does is splendid and majestic;
His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused His wonderful works to be remembered.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has provided food for those who fear Him;
He remembers His covenant forever.
6 He has shown His people the power of His works
by giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are truth and justice;
all His instructions are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever,
enacted in truth and in what is right.
9 He has sent redemption to His people.
He has ordained His covenant forever.
His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His instructions[b] have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
Footnotes
- Psalm 111:1 The lines of this poem form an acrostic.
- Psalm 111:10 Lit follow them