Psalm 112 · a question people ask
"Wealth and riches are in his house" (112:3). Does the psalm promise wealth to everyone who fears the LORD?
The psalm says it of the man it describes: "Wealth and riches are in his house" (112:3). The same psalm says he gives: "He has dispersed, he has given to the poor" (112:9). And it speaks of "evil news" (112:7) and of "his adversaries" (112:8) without saying they won't come; it says he "will not be afraid" of them. Other psalms say other things. "Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked" (Psalm 37:16). "For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). Psalm 112 doesn't say whether 112:3 is true of every person who fears the LORD. These verses stand side by side in Scripture, and these notes don't choose how they fit together.
The verses
“Wealth and riches are in his house. His righteousness endures forever.”
“He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries. He has dispersed, he has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. His horn will be exalted with honor.”
“Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.”
“For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”