NOTES for Psa 112

One who fears God will not fear evil tidings, and not merely because one wedge drives out another, one fear replacing another. The fear of God does not differ “quantitatively” from any human fear; it is inseparable from love for God, and “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18).

All this is true, yet so far the text speaks not of love for God but only of love for His commandments, a love that transforms the person who follows them. But is it possible to follow the Lord without seeking to remain united with Him? One can, of course, observe rules of conduct simply by obeying accepted discipline, but how long will such zeal last? Will one not begin to avoid the rules?

It follows that love for the commandments, even in embryonic form, is inseparably linked to love for the Giver of the commandments and is itself the beginning of love for Him.