1 A song of degrees. Blessed is euery one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in his wayes.
2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine handes: happie shalt thou bee, and it shall be well with thee.
3 Thy wife shalbe as a fruitful Uine by the sides of thine house, thy children like Oliue plants: round about thy table.
4 Beholde that thus shall the man be blessed; that feareth the Lord.
5 The Lord shall blesse thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Ierusalem, all the dayes of thy life.
6 Yea, thou shalt see thy childrens children: and peace vpon Israel.
The blessings of those who fear God.
- Only those who are truly holy, are truly happy. In vain do we pretend to be of those that fear God, if we do not make conscience of keeping stedfastly to his ways. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; whether he be high or low, rich or poor in the world. If thou fear him and walk in his ways, all shall be well with thee while thou livest, better when thou diest, best of all in eternity. By the blessing of God, the godly shall get an honest livelihood. Here is a double promise; they shall have something to do, for an idle life is a miserable, uncomfortable life, and shall have health and strength, and power of mind to do it. They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get. Such as fear the Lord and walk in his ways, are the only happy persons, whatever their station in life may be. They shall have abundant comfort in their family relations. And they shall have all the good things God has promised, and which they pray for. A good man can have little comfort in seeing his children's children, unless he sees peace upon Israel. Every true believer rejoices in the prosperity of the church. Hereafter we shall see greater things, with the everlasting peace and rest that remain for the Israel of God.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.