Psalms 112:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 112:5 mean?

Psalms 112:5 describes a good person as someone who is generous and willing to lend to others, handling their own affairs with careful judgment. The verse highlights both kindness toward others and wise, thoughtful management of personal responsibilities.

This verse is part of a psalm praising the blessings and character of those who honor God. The writer is describing the traits of a righteous person, showing that generosity and discretion go hand in hand. The setting is not a specific event, but a general description meant to encourage readers to value both compassion and wisdom.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 112:5

• The word for "good" is טוֹב (tov), often meaning pleasant, beneficial, or morally upright. Here, it points to someone whose actions are genuinely helpful to others.
• "Favour" comes from חָנַן (chanan), which means to show grace or kindness. This suggests the person is not just giving out of obligation, but with a spirit of generosity.
• "Lendeth" uses לָוָה (lavah), which means to lend or loan. In the ancient context, lending was often a sign of trust and support, not just a financial transaction.
• "Discretion" is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), meaning judgment or justice. This shows the person manages their own matters with fairness and careful thought.

Why Psalms 112:5 matters

• The verse clarifies that being "good" in the biblical sense involves both generosity and wise decision-making, not just one or the other.
• It emphasizes that kindness should be paired with careful management of one's own life, countering the idea that generosity means being careless or naive.
• In the context of Psalms 112, this verse connects to a larger portrait of the righteous person, showing that their blessings come from a balanced life of compassion and wisdom.