Psalm 112:10
The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish.
The wicked man will see and be grieved;
This phrase suggests a moment of realization for the wicked, where they witness the blessings and prosperity of the righteous. In biblical context, this aligns with the theme of divine justice, where the wicked ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The grief experienced by the wicked is not just emotional but also spiritual, as they recognize their separation from God's favor. This echoes the sentiments found in Psalm 37:12-13, where the wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord laughs at them, knowing their day is coming.

he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
Gnashing of teeth is a biblical expression of extreme anger or frustration, often associated with the judgment of God. This imagery is used in the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 8:12, where it describes the fate of those cast into outer darkness. The phrase "waste away" indicates a gradual decline or destruction, both physically and spiritually. This reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death, as stated in Romans 6:23, and highlights the futility of a life lived in opposition to God's will.

the desires of the wicked will perish.
The desires of the wicked are often rooted in selfishness, greed, and rebellion against God. This phrase underscores the temporary nature of such desires, contrasting them with the eternal rewards promised to the righteous. In a broader biblical context, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-20, where He advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The perishing of wicked desires serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the futility of pursuing worldly gains at the expense of one's soul.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Wicked Man
Represents those who live in opposition to God's ways, characterized by their unrighteous actions and desires.

2. The Righteous
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 112 contrasts the wicked with the righteous, who are blessed and favored by God.

3. The Event of Judgment
The verse implies a moment of realization and judgment where the wicked see the prosperity of the righteous and are filled with grief.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Wickedness
The verse serves as a sobering reminder that living in opposition to God's will leads to ultimate disappointment and destruction.

The Reality of Divine Justice
God's justice is assured, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions, even if it seems delayed.

The Futility of Wicked Desires
Desires that are not aligned with God's will are ultimately unfulfilling and lead to ruin.

Encouragement for the Righteous
The righteous can take comfort in knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded, and the apparent success of the wicked is temporary.

Call to Repentance
This verse can serve as a call for self-examination and repentance for those who may be straying from God's path.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fate of the wicked in Psalm 112:10 compare to the promises given to the righteous earlier in the Psalm?

2. In what ways does the concept of "gnashing of teeth" in this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on judgment in the New Testament?

3. How can understanding the ultimate end of the wicked influence our daily decisions and priorities?

4. What are some desires in your life that may not align with God's will, and how can you redirect them?

5. How can the assurance of God's justice provide comfort and encouragement in times of personal or societal injustice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37
This Psalm also contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked will ultimately perish while the righteous will inherit the land.

Matthew 13:42
Jesus speaks of the wicked being cast into a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, highlighting the ultimate judgment and separation from God.

Proverbs 10:28
This verse contrasts the hope of the righteous with the perishing expectations of the wicked, similar to the theme in Psalm 112:10.
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
The Commendation and Reward of the Benevolent ManE. Steane.Psalm 112:9-10
The Excellency and Reward of CharityW. Berriman, D.D.Psalm 112:9-10
Thy Duty and Reward of Bounty to the PoorPsalm 112:9-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Angry, Desire, Envy, Evil-doers, Gnash, Gnashes, Gnasheth, Grief, Grieved, Longings, Melt, Melted, Melts, Nothing, Nought, Perish, Sees, Sinner, Teeth, Vexed, Waste, Wasted, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:10

     5058   rest, spiritual
     5132   biting
     5189   teeth
     5864   futility
     6142   decay

Library
Letter viii (Circa A. D. 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor
To Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor He praises Gilbert, who practised poverty in the station of Bishop. The report of your conduct has spread far and wide, and has given to those whom it has reached an odour of great sweetness. The love of riches is extinct; what sweetness results! charity reigns; what a delight to all! All recognise you for a truly wise man, who has trodden under foot the great enemy with true wisdom; and this is most worthy of your name and of your priesthood. It was
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 112:10 NIV
Psalm 112:10 NLT
Psalm 112:10 ESV
Psalm 112:10 NASB
Psalm 112:10 KJV

Psalm 112:10 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 112:9
Top of Page
Top of Page