King James Version

What Does Psalms 112:5 Mean?

Psalms 112:5 in the King James Version says “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. discretion: Heb. judgment” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 112 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 112:5 · KJV

Context

3

Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5

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

6

Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Read Psalms 112 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers practice both generosity and discretion in an age of professional panhandling and complex economic realities?
  2. In what ways does viewing possessions as resources for blessing others rather than personal security change spending and giving decisions?
  3. What does it mean practically to conduct business 'with justice' in a competitive marketplace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
טֽוֹב1 of 7

“A good”

H2896

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

אִ֭ישׁ2 of 7

“man”

H376

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)

חוֹנֵ֣ן3 of 7

“sheweth favour”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

וּמַלְוֶ֑ה4 of 7

“and lendeth”

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

יְכַלְכֵּ֖ל5 of 7

“he will guide”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

דְּבָרָ֣יו6 of 7

“his affairs”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּמִשְׁפָּֽט׃7 of 7

“with discretion”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 112:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 112:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:21Ephesians 5:15Proverbs 2:20Philippians 1:9Deuteronomy 15:7-10John 6:12

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 112 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 112 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes