Verse of the Day
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Psalm 112:5
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Introduction
Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm that outlines the characteristics and blessings of the righteous person—one who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. Often viewed as a companion to Psalm 111, which praises God’s character, Psalm 112 reflects how that divine character is mirrored in the life of the godly. It describes the tangible outcomes of a life lived in reverence and obedience: stability, generosity, justice, and legacy. Verse 5 stands as a moral and practical center of the psalm, emphasizing economic and ethical conduct as foundational expressions of righteousness. It affirms that well-being is tied not to wealth alone, but to the just and generous use of one's resources.
Commentary
“It is well with those…”
The Hebrew phrase ṭôḇ l’îš (ט֤וֹב לְאִ֨ישׁ) literally means “Good is it for the man” or “It goes well with the person.” This signals not only external blessing but an inner state of wholeness—shalom—that results from righteous living.
“…who deal generously and lend…”
The phrase ḥônēn ûmawweh (ח֗וֹנֵן וּמַלְוֶֽה) refers to one who shows grace (ḥônēn, from ḥanan, “to be gracious”) and lends to others. In Hebrew culture, lending was not primarily a profit-driven act but a moral obligation to help those in need, often without interest (see Deut. 15:7–11). The righteous person doesn't hoard resources but extends them with compassion.
“…who conduct their affairs with justice.”
The second clause, yᵊḏabbēr ḏᵊḇārāyw bᵊmišpāṭ (יְדַבֵּ֥ר דְּבָרָ֗יו בְּמִשְׁפָּֽט), emphasizes that not only are the righteous generous, but their entire way of doing business (debarim—affairs or dealings) is rooted in mišpāṭ—justice, fairness, and right judgment. This implies a life of integrity, transparency, and equity in personal and financial relationships.
Understanding the Context
Psalm 112, shaped by the literary form of an acrostic poem, functions as wisdom literature akin to Proverbs. It outlines the life and blessings of “the man who fears the LORD” (v.1), presenting a practical theology of righteousness. Within the broader Psalter, it echoes recurring themes such as the flourishing of the just (Ps. 1), the contrast between righteous and wicked, and the ethical demands of covenantal life with God.
This psalm was likely composed in a post-exilic context where maintaining communal identity and social responsibility was crucial. The instruction to lend and act justly reflects the Torah’s emphasis on justice and mercy, especially for the poor and marginalized (e.g., Exodus 22:25–27; Leviticus 25). It reinforces a vision of righteousness not as piety alone, but as lived, visible justice.
Application for Today
Psalm 112:5 offers a corrective to individualistic or consumer-centered Christianity. It challenges modern believers to see economic resources not as ends in themselves but as tools for compassion and justice. In an era marked by income inequality and financial exploitation, this verse calls Christians to embody generosity (ḥônēn) and fairness (mišpāṭ) in all transactions—whether personal, business, or institutional.
It affirms that the good life (ṭôḇ) is not measured by accumulation but by moral use of wealth. Christians are encouraged to lend wisely, to give freely, and to conduct affairs transparently—not just as a social ethic, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in the fear of the Lord. Stewardship becomes a reflection of faith, where money is not idolized but redeemed for service.
Reflection
Psalm 112:5 reveals a striking truth about the righteous: their moral compass is oriented toward others. The verse bridges the internal reverence of God (v.1) with outward, tangible expressions of mercy and justice. It affirms that God's character—gracious, just, generous—is not only to be worshiped but imitated.
Living justly and generously is not merely a social good; it is a theological act. It tells the truth about who God is and what kind of people bear His image. In this way, verse 5 offers more than ethical advice—it provides a vision of human flourishing grounded in divine grace and ordered by love for neighbor. The righteous do not simply succeed; they do good. And in doing so, they embody the kind of well-being that reflects the kingdom of God.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the 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. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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