The Lord praised for the blessings bestowed upon the man that fears God.
The blessing contemplated in the psalm is of an earthly and Jewish order, rather than the heavenly blessing of the Christian. However, whether for the earthly or heavenly saint, the practical enjoyment of either blessing springs from a life lived in the fear of God.
(vs. 1) The last psalm closed with the assertion that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” This psalm opens with praise to the Lord because of His blessings bestowed on the man who fears the Lord. This is not a legal fear that dreads the Judge, but the reverent fear of a man who delights to do the will of the One he fears.
(vv. 2-3) The blessings are then described. The God-fearing man is blessed “upon earth:” his seed are “mighty:” he is enriched with material wealth.
(vv. 4-5) The character of the one thus blessed is then delineated. He is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous. In conduct he shows favor and acts with wisdom.
(vv. 6-9) Moreover we are told the way in which the God-fearing man is cared for and protected. The one who cares for others will not be moved, for he is in the everlasting remembrance of God. He shall not be afraid either of evil tidings, or of his enemies, for his heart is fixed, and sustained, trusting in the Lord. As to his neighbors, he disperses to the poor, and is held in honor.
(vs. 10) The government of God which brings blessing to the God-fearing man, brings judgment upon the wicked.