The Responsibility of Blessings

The psalm speaks of the "Fear of the Lord," (rendered "honor" by some translations).  "Fear" does not mean "to be afraid" but rather a posture toward God similar to the way children feel toward good parents.  Honor, respect, and awe may be working synonyms for "fear" in this case.  The psalm opens with the assertion that links fear or honor of the Lord with adoration and delight in the Lord (112:1).  The psalmist, amid the cheery claims for the rewards of righteous living before God, also admits that life can be tough (see vv. 4, 7, 8 & 10).  Still, blessings outweigh woes for those who honor God and delight in God's law.