Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

A good {H2896} man {H376} sheweth favour {H2603}, and lendeth {H3867}: he will guide {H3557} his affairs {H1697} with discretion {H4941}.

Things go well with the person who is merciful and lends, who conducts his affairs with fairness;

It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.

Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth; He shall maintain his cause in judgment.

Commentary

Psalms 112:5 (KJV) states, "A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion." This verse offers a concise portrait of the righteous individual, highlighting their character through both their actions towards others and their personal management.

Context of Psalms 112

Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, often considered a companion to Psalm 1. It describes the blessings and characteristics of the man who fears the Lord and delights greatly in His commandments. The preceding verses establish that such a man's descendants will be mighty, wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Verse 5 then delves into specific aspects of this righteous character, particularly in how they interact with others and manage their own life, emphasizing the practical outworking of their faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Generosity and Compassion: The phrase "sheweth favour, and lendeth" underscores a heart of compassion and a willingness to extend practical help to those in need. This isn't passive goodwill, but active benevolence, reflecting God's own character. It speaks to a selfless spirit that is ready to share resources and support others, embodying the principle of giving freely.
  • Wise Stewardship: "He will guide his affairs with discretion" emphasizes the importance of prudence, sound judgment, and integrity in managing one's personal and financial matters. A truly good person is not only generous but also responsible, ensuring that their resources are handled wisely. This balance prevents reckless giving and promotes sustainable generosity, highlighting the value of sound wisdom and discretion.
  • Integrity and Righteousness: The verse paints a picture of a person whose internal goodness is expressed outwardly through their actions and their responsible conduct. This holistic approach to living reflects the overall theme of Psalm 112 regarding the blessedness of the righteous and the lasting impact of their character.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "favour" is chen (ื—ึตืŸ), which conveys grace, favor, or kindness. It suggests a benevolent disposition towards others. The term for "lendeth" is lavah (ืœึธื•ึธื”), meaning to lend or borrow, indicating a practical act of financial or material assistance. Most notably, "discretion" comes from the Hebrew mishpat (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜), which signifies judgment, justice, or right ruling. This implies that the righteous man manages his affairs not only with prudence but also with a strong sense of equity and fairness, ensuring his decisions align with divine principles of justice and integrity.

Practical Application and Reflection

Psalms 112:5 offers timeless wisdom for modern living. It challenges believers to cultivate a character marked by both generosity and responsible management. True goodness involves more than just good intentions; it requires tangible acts of compassion towards others, such as lending a hand to the poor or supporting those in distress. Simultaneously, it calls for diligent and ethical stewardship of personal resources, time, and talents. This balance ensures that one's capacity for good is sustained and maximized, allowing them to be a consistent blessing to their community and beyond. It encourages us to seek divine wisdom and discernment in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that our financial and personal decisions are part of our walk of faith.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:21

    ยถ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

  • Ephesians 5:15

    See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

  • Proverbs 2:20

    That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous.

  • Deuteronomy 15:7

    If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

  • Deuteronomy 15:10

    Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

  • Psalms 37:25

    I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

  • Psalms 37:26

    [He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.
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