Psalms 112:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

טֽוֹב A good H2896
טֽוֹב A good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 1 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אִ֭ישׁ man H376
אִ֭ישׁ man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חוֹנֵ֣ן sheweth favour H2603
חוֹנֵ֣ן sheweth favour
Strong's: H2603
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
וּמַלְוֶ֑ה and lendeth H3867
וּמַלְוֶ֑ה and lendeth
Strong's: H3867
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
יְכַלְכֵּ֖ל he will guide H3557
יְכַלְכֵּ֖ל he will guide
Strong's: H3557
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
דְּבָרָ֣יו his affairs H1697
דְּבָרָ֣יו his affairs
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 6 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ with discretion H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ with discretion
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth (טוֹב־אִישׁ חוֹנֵן וּמַלְוֶה)—Tov ish (good man) describes moral character, one who embodies covenant faithfulness. Chonen (showing favor, being gracious) means extending kindness especially to those in need, echoing God's own graciousness (v.4 of Psalm 111). Malveh (lending) refers to interest-free loans commanded in Torah (Exodus 22:25, Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The righteous person imitates God's character through economic generosity, seeing resources as tools for blessing others rather than private treasure.

He will guide his affairs with discretion (יְכַלְכֵּל דְּבָרָיו בְּמִשְׁפָּט)—Yekhalkkel (he will sustain, maintain, guide) suggests skillful management. Devarav (his words/affairs/matters) can mean both speech and business dealings. Bemishpat (with judgment, justice, discretion) indicates wisdom and equity governing all conduct. The righteous person is neither naively generous (enabling exploitation) nor selfishly shrewd (exploiting others), but exercises godly wisdom in financial and relational matters.

Historical Context

Torah's economic laws protected vulnerable populations through provisions like interest-free loans, Sabbath year debt cancellation, and gleaning rights. This verse reflects those covenant values, describing the godly person as one who participates in God's economic justice. In ancient agricultural society, lending grain or seed could be life-or-death for poor families. The emphasis on discretion/justice balances generosity with wisdom—enabling genuine need without rewarding laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Questions for Reflection