Psalm 112:5
Psalm 112:5
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Introduction
Psalm 112:5 provides a brief but profound insight into the character and rewards of a righteous person. This psalm celebrates the virtues of godliness, and the blessings that follow from a life lived in accordance with divine principles.
Commentary
This verse highlights generosity and justice as essential qualities of a righteous person. The psalmist emphasizes that well-being follows those who are generous—those who give freely of their resources, time, and effort to help others. The act of lending here is not merely a financial transaction but an extension of kindness and support without harsh expectations or exploitation. The phrase "conduct their affairs with justice" underscores a commitment to fairness and integrity in all dealings, personal or professional.
Understanding Context
Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm closely linked to Psalm 111. Both are acrostic poems, where each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 112 serves as a counterpart to Psalm 111 by focusing on the proper response of the faithful to the acts of God described in Psalm 111. It illustrates how the fear of the Lord leads to a life marked by mercy, generosity, and justice—qualities that embody the life of a believer.
Application for Today
In today's context, Psalm 112:5 challenges individuals and communities to reflect on their attitudes toward wealth, resources, and fairness. It calls for a lifestyle that prioritizes giving over receiving and justice over gain. For believers, this might mean actively seeking opportunities to help those in need, being fair in business practices, and advocating for justice in social structures. This verse inspires a consideration of how our daily actions align with the biblical call to live justly and generously.
Reflection
Reflect on your own life and community:
How am I incorporating generosity and justice into my daily activities?
Are there specific areas in my life where I can improve in dealing generously with others?
How can I advocate for justice in my wider community?
By meditating on these questions, believers can find practical ways to live out the teachings of Psalm 112:5, fostering a deeper commitment to a life that reflects divine principles of generosity and justice.
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.
