Psalm 112:5
New International Version
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

New Living Translation
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

English Standard Version
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.

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

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

New King James Version
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

New American Standard Bible
It goes well for a person who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.

NASB 1995
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.

NASB 1977
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.

Legacy Standard Bible
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; Who sustains his works with justice.

Amplified Bible
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He conducts his affairs with justice.

Christian Standard Bible
Good will come to the one who lends generously and conducts his business fairly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Good will come to a man who lends generously and conducts his business fairly.

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

Contemporary English Version
Life will go well for those who freely lend and are honest in business.

English Revised Version
Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth; he shall maintain his cause in judgment.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All goes well for the person who is generous and lends willingly. He earns an honest living.

Good News Translation
Happy is the person who is generous with his loans, who runs his business honestly.

International Standard Version
It is good for the person who lends generously, conducting his affairs with fairness.

NET Bible
It goes well for the one who generously lends money, and conducts his business honestly.

New Heart English Bible
It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.

Webster's Bible Translation
A good man showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.

World English Bible
It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The man—good, gracious, and lending, "" He sustains his matters in judgment.

Young's Literal Translation
Good is the man -- gracious and lending, He sustaineth his matters in judgment.

Smith's Literal Translation
A good man, being merciful and lending: he will hold up his words in judgment;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Pleasing is the man who shows mercy and lends. He will order his words with judgment.

New American Bible
It is good for the man gracious in lending, who conducts his affairs with justice.

New Revised Standard Version
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Blessed is the man who shows mercy and lends; he shall proclaim his words with judgment.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Blessed is the man who shows mercy and lends and he proclaims his words in judgment
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth, That ordereth his affairs rightfully.

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

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Blessed is the Man who Fears the LORD
4Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. 5It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. 6Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever.…

Cross References
Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Proverbs 11:25
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Isaiah 58:10
and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.

Matthew 6:3-4
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, / so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

1 Timothy 6:18-19
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 21:26
All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.


Treasury of Scripture

A good man shows favor, and lends: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

good

Proverbs 2:20
That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 12:2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Luke 23:50
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:

sheweth

Psalm 37:25,26
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread…

Deuteronomy 15:7-10
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: …

Job 31:16-20
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; …

he will

Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 22:26,27
Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts…

discretion.

Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

Jump to Previous
Affairs Cause Conducts Dealeth Deals Discretion Favor Favour Freely Generous Generously Gives Good Gracious Graciously Guide Judged Judgment Justice Kind Lends Maintain Matters Ordereth Others Rightfully Sheweth Showeth Sustain Sustaineth
Jump to Next
Affairs Cause Conducts Dealeth Deals Discretion Favor Favour Freely Generous Generously Gives Good Gracious Graciously Guide Judged Judgment Justice Kind Lends Maintain Matters Ordereth Others Rightfully Sheweth Showeth Sustain Sustaineth
Psalm 112
1. Godliness has the promises of this life
4. And of the life to come
10. The prosperity of the godly shall be an eyesore to the wicked














It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely
This phrase highlights the biblical principle of generosity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lending was often a necessity due to the agrarian society's dependence on seasonal crops. The Law of Moses encouraged lending without interest to fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25), reflecting God's concern for the poor and needy. Generosity is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in Proverbs 19:17, which states that lending to the poor is akin to lending to the Lord. This principle is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about giving in Luke 6:38. The act of lending freely without expecting repayment is a reflection of God's grace and provision, and it foreshadows the ultimate generosity of Christ's sacrifice.

whose affairs are guided by justice
Justice in the biblical sense involves righteousness and fairness, rooted in God's character. The Hebrew concept of justice (mishpat) encompasses not only legal fairness but also social equity and moral integrity. In the historical context of Israel, justice was a foundational aspect of the covenant community, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:20, which commands the pursuit of justice. This phrase suggests that a person's dealings, whether in business or personal matters, should reflect God's standards of justice. The prophets frequently called Israel back to justice, as seen in Micah 6:8. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies perfect justice, and believers are called to emulate His example, as seen in Matthew 23:23. This phrase underscores the importance of aligning one's life with God's righteous standards, ensuring that all actions are conducted with fairness and integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Generous Man
This individual is characterized by his willingness to give and lend freely, embodying a spirit of generosity.

2. The Just Man
This person ensures that his dealings and affairs are conducted with fairness and justice, reflecting a righteous character.

3. The Community
While not explicitly mentioned, the community benefits from the actions of the generous and just man, as his behavior positively impacts those around him.
Teaching Points
The Blessing of Generosity
Generosity is not just a duty but a source of blessing. When we give freely, we align ourselves with God's heart and open ourselves to His blessings.

Justice in Daily Life
Conducting our affairs with justice is a reflection of God's character. We are called to be fair and righteous in all our dealings, ensuring that our actions reflect God's justice.

Impact on Community
Our generosity and justice have a ripple effect on those around us. By living out these virtues, we contribute to a healthier, more equitable community.

Stewardship of Resources
We are stewards of the resources God has given us. Using them to bless others and promote justice is a way to honor God with what we have.

Faith and Trust in God
Generosity requires faith and trust in God's provision. By giving freely, we demonstrate our reliance on God rather than on our own resources.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 112:5?

2. How can we practice "conducting his affairs with justice" in daily life?

3. What does Psalm 112:5 teach about the importance of generosity and fairness?

4. How does Psalm 112:5 connect with Proverbs 11:24-25 on generosity?

5. In what ways can we ensure our decisions align with biblical justice principles?

6. How can Psalm 112:5 inspire us to be more compassionate and fair-minded?

7. How does Psalm 112:5 define righteousness in financial dealings?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 112:5?

9. How does Psalm 112:5 relate to modern Christian views on generosity?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 112?

11. What are the Bible's teachings on lending money?

12. Psalm 112:3 declares that the righteous will enjoy wealth and riches; how does this reconcile with devout individuals who remain poor and persecuted throughout history?

13. Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?

14. Why does Psalm 54:5 predict exact retribution from God, when other biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 5:44) recommend praying for enemies instead?
What Does Psalm 112:5 Mean
It is well

• Scripture calls the righteous life “well” because God Himself guarantees blessing. Psalm 1:3 promises, “Whatever he does will prosper,” while Isaiah 3:10 says, “Tell the righteous it will be well with them.”

• This well-being reaches every corner of life—spiritual, emotional, material—because “the LORD will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

Romans 8:28 affirms that “all things work together for good to those who love God,” underscoring that the Lord defines and secures our ultimate good, not shifting circumstances.


with the man

• The verse zeroes in on one individual: any man or woman who takes God at His Word. Psalm 128:1 says, “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways,” showing that personal obedience invites personal blessing.

• This emphasis keeps us from vague ideals. Proverbs 10:6 notes, “Blessings crown the head of the righteous,” reminding each believer that faithfulness has concrete results.

• Paul urged Timothy, “But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness” (1 Timothy 6:11), stressing that every believer is personally responsible to live out God’s standards.


who is generous

• Generosity reflects God’s own heart. Proverbs 22:9 promises, “A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”

• True giving is free from reluctance: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

• Jesus set the pattern: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Thus, generosity is not peripheral—it is central to walking in God’s blessing.

Luke 6:38 links giving and receiving: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”


and lends freely

• Lending freely shows trust in God rather than in possessions. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs Israel to open wide hands to the needy, illustrating practical faith.

• Jesus echoed this: “Give to the one who asks you” (Matthew 5:42) and, “Lend, expecting nothing in return; then your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35).

Psalm 37:26 portrays the righteous: “They are ever generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” Such open-handed living invites God’s ongoing favor.


whose affairs are guided by justice

• Justice means daily decisions align with God’s standards. Micah 6:8 summarizes: “He has shown you… what is good: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Proverbs 21:3 declares, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice,” stressing that fair dealings please God more than ritual.

• Employers are told, “Provide your slaves with what is right and fair” (Colossians 4:1), proving justice applies to every relationship.

James 2:15-17 warns that faith without just action toward others is dead, reinforcing that genuine faith produces equitable conduct.


summary

Psalm 112:5 paints a comprehensive picture of the blessed believer: personally responsible, generous, ready to lend, and committed to justice. Such a life experiences the settled assurance that “it is well,” because God’s unchanging promises secure present well-being and future reward.

(5) A good man.--Rather, happy is the man who gives and lends, good being here not used in a moral sense, but meaning prosperous.

He will guide . . .--Rather, he will gain his cause: in (the) judgment. So apparently the LXX. and Vulg. Others, "he will sustain his affairs by justice." The verb primarily means "to measure," but in the conjugation here used has the sense of "sustains." (See Genesis 45:11; Genesis 47:12; Genesis 1:21, where the Authorised Version has "nourish.") The meaning is confirmed by the parallelism of the next verse.

Verse 5. - A good man showeth favor, and lendeth; rather, well is it with the man that showeth, etc. The verse is exegetical of the latter clause of ver. 4, and shows how the righteous man's compassion works. It makes him "show favor," or "kindness," to men generally, and "lend" to those who are in necessity (comp. Psalm 37:26; and for the duty of lending to the needy, see Deuteronomy 15:8, 11). He will guide his affairs with discretion; rather, perhaps, with equity. Scarcely, as Professor Cheyne suggests, "in courts of justice."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It is well
טֽוֹב־ (ṭō·wḇ-)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

with the man
אִ֭ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who is generous
חוֹנֵ֣ן (ḥō·w·nên)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

and lends freely,
וּמַלְוֶ֑ה (ū·mal·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3867: To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend

whose affairs
דְּבָרָ֣יו (də·ḇā·rāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

are guided
יְכַלְכֵּ֖ל (yə·ḵal·kêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

by justice.
בְּמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ (bə·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Poetry: Psalm 112:5 It is well with the man who (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 112:4
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