You Shall Eat the Fruit of the Labor of Your Hands!

1   Happy is everyone who fears the Lord,

who walks in his ways.

2   You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you. (Psalm 128)

I believe the role and nature of humankind is outlined in the Book of Genesis – we are to be “Fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28).  Think for a moment about what this means.  To “Be fruitful and to multiply” means we will prosper and expand, not simply because we are alive, but because we have expended positive energy that has  created something. 

In Psalm 128, a “Psalm of Ascents”, the writer extols the virtues and blessings to those who fear the Lord.  The writer says in verse 1, “Happy is everyone who fears the Lord…”  In verse 2, the writer continues in saying that those who fear the Lord “Shall eat of the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy and it shall go well with you…”

My understanding of this text is simple and straightforward:

  1. There is a blessing God will extend to those who fear the Lord
  2. If we apply ourselves through the works of our hands, our labor will be rewarded – not just in the life to come, but in this life!
  3. And, when our labor is rewarded, it will be in the most tangible of ways. 

Let us read Psalm 128 in its fullness:

Psalm 128

The Happy Home of the Faithful

A Song of Ascents.

1   Happy is everyone who fears the Lord,

who walks in his ways.

2   You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you.

3   Your wife will be like a fruitful vine

within your house;

your children will be like olive shoots

around your table.

4   Thus shall the man be blessed

who fears the Lord.

5   The Lord bless you from Zion.

May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

all the days of your life.

6   May you see your children’s children.

Peace be upon Israel! [1]

Questions for Reflection:

  1. There is a blessing God will extend to those who fear the Lord
  2. If we apply ourselves through the works of our hands, our labor will be rewarded – not just in the life to come, but in this life!
  3. And, when our labor is rewarded, it will be in the most tangible of ways. 

Prayer:  Lord, I believe in you!  Lord, I trust you.  Lord, I fear you.  Lord, I commit today to put my hand to the plow, to till the land, and work to the glory of your name!  Bless me this day with your favor and blessings that are without equal.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.                                                                                                                                                                   

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3                      

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Thank you,

Nick

[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Ps 128). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.