Psalm 111 is a short hymn of praise that celebrates what the LORD has done and why he is worthy of trust. These questions are built for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they move from what the text says to what it means and then to how it shapes daily life. Each section includes a leader’s note so you can guide the discussion without preparing a separate summary.
Psalm 111 at a Glance
The psalm opens with a personal resolve to give thanks in the company of God’s people (verse 1). It then turns to the works of the LORD, describing them as great, honorable, and worth studying by anyone who delights in them (verses 2-4). The middle section highlights his faithfulness: he provides for those who fear him, remembers his covenant, and gives his people a heritage (verses 5-6). The psalm closes by pointing to the truth, justice, and reliability of his precepts, and it ends with the claim that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (verses 7-10).
The structure moves outward from worship to God’s character, then to his covenant faithfulness, and finally to wisdom that is lived out in obedience. Use this flow to guide your group from praise to understanding to practice.
Observation Questions
Use this set first to slow the group down and anchor everyone in the actual words of the psalm. Ask people to read the verses aloud before answering, and encourage quick, specific answers before any interpretation begins.
Psalm 111:1
Praise Yah! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
(WEB)
Read this first to set the tone for the session. It shows the psalmist’s commitment to thanks offered with his whole heart and in the presence of God’s people, which gives the group a model for opening their own time of worship together.
Psalm 111:2-3
2 The LORD’s works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them. 3 His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
(WEB)
These verses describe the LORD’s works as great and worthy of study, and they name his honor, majesty, and enduring righteousness. Reading them aloud helps the group focus on God’s character as the reason for their praise.
Psalm 111:4
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and merciful.
(WEB)
This verse pairs the memory of God’s wonderful works with his grace and mercy. Reading it slowly invites the group to name specific mercies they have seen and to notice how memory shapes faith.
Psalm 111:7-8
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice. All his precepts are sure. 8 They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.
(WEB)
These two verses describe God’s works and precepts as truth, justice, and uprightness that stand firm forever. Reading them together gives the group a chance to compare God’s reliability with the uncertainty of everyday life.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
(WEB)
End the reading with the psalm’s final claim about the fear of the LORD and wisdom. Reading it aloud as the closing line of the Scripture portion gives the group a clear point to carry into discussion and prayer.
Memory Verse for Psalm 111
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you with thanks in our hearts, just as the psalmist did. We remember your works, which are great and worthy of study, and we confess that we often forget them. Thank you that you are gracious and merciful, and that you always remember your covenant with those who trust you. Teach us to fear you in the way that leads to wisdom, so that our decisions, our words, and our care for one another reflect your truth and justice. Keep our group faithful in praise and honest in study, and let your name be honored among us. Amen.
