Psalms 112:5

5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalms 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.


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.

Psalms 112:5 In-Context

3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.