Psa 128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

The message of Psalm 128 is this: True religion shall be rewarded. The Psalmist says that whoever fears God shall be blessed: “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways” (v.1). Four points of blessedness are enumerated: 1. His work shall be rewarded: “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee” (v.2). 2. He shall be blessed with a good domestic life: “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table” (v.3). 3. He shall be blessed with an enriching spiritual life: “The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life” (v.5). 4. He shall be blessed with long life: “Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children” (v.6a). Some called this a Psalm for families. In this psalm, we see a man of God who is hardworking and is blessed in his work. He has a good wife and children and even gets to see his grandchildren. Most men would love to be like the man in this psalm; he is indeed a blessed man. A blessed life begins in the fear of God: “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord” (v.1). Many Christian homes have this décor hung on their walls: “CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THIS HOUSE.” It is a beautiful message. A home where Christ is the head is a home that fears God. That reverential fear is the strongest motive to obedience: “that walketh in his ways” (v.1b). And, obedience is the practical manifestation of true piety: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). A home where the fear of God is the regulating principle is a home that will be blessed. To me, a man is considered successful when he has God, a successful marriage, and a loving family. Some in this world are successful in their careers but not in their marriages. Many more don’t have God. Psalm 128 is telling us that the successful man is one who is blessed by God. He will be blessed in his work and family life. I really like verse 2: “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” It means he will enjoy the fruit of his labour, is happy and all will be well with him. Some may object and say: “I have been faithful all these years but my marriage is not blessed.” Well, my answer is this: “Do you fear the LORD? If your answer is YES, are you walking in His commandments?” Their reply may be like the rich young ruler who came to Jesus: “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). Well, not true: they have not obeyed the commandment to love their wives or submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-25). They have not obeyed the commandment of reconciliation: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23, 24). If they love the Lord as they profess, they will obey His commandments in matters of marriage. God’s commandments regarding marriage are never wrong. The man and woman who obey God’s commandments will be blessed in their work and family life. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways!