Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.
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
1. How does the concept of generosity in Psalm 112:5 challenge your current approach to giving and lending?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your personal and professional affairs are guided by justice?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of generosity. How did it impact your faith and relationship with God?

4. How can the principles of generosity and justice in Psalm 112:5 be applied to address social issues in your community?

5. Consider the connection between Psalm 112:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. How does cheerful giving enhance your spiritual life and relationship with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 11:25
This verse highlights the principle that a generous person will prosper, and those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed, reinforcing the idea of reciprocal blessings for generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul speaks about giving cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of generosity mentioned in Psalm 112:5.

Micah 6:8
This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility, which complements the just nature of the man described in Psalm 112:5.
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Affairs, Cause, Conducts, Dealeth, Deals, Discretion, Favor, Favour, Freely, Generously, Gives, Gracious, Graciously, Guide, Judged, Judgment, Justice, Kind, Lendeth, Lending, Lends, Maintain, Matters, Ordereth, Rightfully, Sheweth, Showeth, Sustain, Sustaineth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:5

     5353   interest
     5361   justice, human
     5389   lending
     6672   grace, in relationships
     8262   generosity, human

Psalm 112:4-5

     5809   compassion, human

Library
Letter viii (Circa A. D. 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor
To Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor He praises Gilbert, who practised poverty in the station of Bishop. The report of your conduct has spread far and wide, and has given to those whom it has reached an odour of great sweetness. The love of riches is extinct; what sweetness results! charity reigns; what a delight to all! All recognise you for a truly wise man, who has trodden under foot the great enemy with true wisdom; and this is most worthy of your name and of your priesthood. It was
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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