Psalm 112:5

5 The good man is he that pities and lends: he will direct his affairs with judgment.

Psalm 112:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 112:5

A good man showeth favour, and lendeth
Without usury, hoping for nothing again: he pities those that labour under difficulties, for want of a little money; and he generously lends it till they are able to pay him again; which oftentimes is of as much service as if it was given; see ( Psalms 37:21 Psalms 37:26 ) ( Luke 6:34 Luke 6:35 ) . A good man is not only a man that has the good work of grace in him, and is ready to every good work; but one that is munificent, bountiful, and liberal; in which sense the word is used in ( Romans 5:7 ) and so in Latin writers ^F14.

He will guide his affairs with discretion;
his civil and domestic affairs: he will act the part of a good economist; so that he may be able to support his family with credit and reputation, and have something to give to the relief of those in want. Some restrain this to his acts of charity. He lends to some, and gives to others: he takes care that they to whom he gives are proper objects of charity; he gives to persons seasonably, and in proportion to his own ability and their wants. It may be rendered, "he shall guide his words with judgment" {o}; take care of what he says, and before whom; and that it be at a proper time and place; and especially when speaking of spiritual and religious things.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 "Bonus est hic homo", Plauti Poenulus, Act. 5. Sc. 4. v. 42. "Vellet bonus atque benignus", Horat. Satyr. I. 1. Sat. 2. v. 51. "Piso bonus", Juvenal. Sat. 5. v. 109.
F15 (jpvmb wyrbd) "verba sua in, vel cum, judicio", Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Cocceius, Gejerus.

Psalm 112:5 In-Context

3 Glory and riches shall be in his house; and his righteousness endures for evermore.

4 To the upright light has sprung up in darkness: he is pitiful, and merciful, and righteous.

5 The good man is he that pities and lends: he will direct his affairs with judgment.

6 For he shall not be moved for ever; the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of any evil report: his heart is ready to trust in the Lord.