Those who cling to sin will inevitably witness the righteous prospering under God’s favor, and their own plans will dissolve into nothing.
"The wicked will see it and be vexed, He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked will perish." (v.10). This verse brings Psalm 112 to a climactic contrast, picturing the ultimate end of those who stand opposed to God’s ways. Throughout Psalm 112, the psalmist extols the blessings and steadfastness of the righteous, while here he shows that evil will not last. The “wicked” are depicted as furious onlookers, witnessing the blessings and security of the righteous, unable to thwart it. Their anger and vexation underscore the cause-effect nature of God’s creation, as Psalm 112 describes the righteous, who will be blessed, and the wicked, who will perish.When the verse states “He will gnash his teeth and melt away,” it reflects a condition of inner torment that echoes other scriptural descriptions of anguish (Luke 13:28). The wicked’s schemes and longings—“the desire of the wicked”—prove temporary and powerless before the Lord’s ultimate judgment. Just as the righteous have long-lasting rewards, the wicked’s aspirations fade. Their stance of rebellion cannot hold firm. Indeed, the gnashing of teeth signifies regret and sorrow for missed opportunities to turn away from evil.
In the broader biblical picture, this verse emphasizes that God’s plan to bless His faithful ones includes justice upon those who practice sin. Psalm 112’s final words highlight that wickedness resolves to futility. While the righteous stand fearless in the Lord, the wicked ultimately grasp the futility of their projects when confronted by God’s sustaining power.
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Psalms 112:10 meaning
"The wicked will see it and be vexed, He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked will perish." (v.10). This verse brings Psalm 112 to a climactic contrast, picturing the ultimate end of those who stand opposed to God’s ways. Throughout Psalm 112, the psalmist extols the blessings and steadfastness of the righteous, while here he shows that evil will not last. The “wicked” are depicted as furious onlookers, witnessing the blessings and security of the righteous, unable to thwart it. Their anger and vexation underscore the cause-effect nature of God’s creation, as Psalm 112 describes the righteous, who will be blessed, and the wicked, who will perish.When the verse states “He will gnash his teeth and melt away,” it reflects a condition of inner torment that echoes other scriptural descriptions of anguish (Luke 13:28). The wicked’s schemes and longings—“the desire of the wicked”—prove temporary and powerless before the Lord’s ultimate judgment. Just as the righteous have long-lasting rewards, the wicked’s aspirations fade. Their stance of rebellion cannot hold firm. Indeed, the gnashing of teeth signifies regret and sorrow for missed opportunities to turn away from evil.
In the broader biblical picture, this verse emphasizes that God’s plan to bless His faithful ones includes justice upon those who practice sin. Psalm 112’s final words highlight that wickedness resolves to futility. While the righteous stand fearless in the Lord, the wicked ultimately grasp the futility of their projects when confronted by God’s sustaining power.