Old Testament

Psalms 112:5

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

A good man shows favor and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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

What Psalms 112:5 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights the character of a good person, emphasizing their generosity and wisdom. A good man is someone who is willing to help others by lending support, whether it be financial or emotional. This act of showing favor indicates kindness and a readiness to assist those in need. Additionally, the verse points out that such a person manages their own affairs with careful consideration and prudence. This means they are not only generous but also wise in their dealings, ensuring that their actions are thoughtful and responsible. The balance of generosity and discretion is crucial; it shows that while one should be willing to help others, it is equally important to do so in a way that is sensible and sustainable. Overall, this verse encourages individuals to embody kindness while also being wise stewards of their resources and relationships.

How to apply Psalms 112:5 to your life

To apply this verse, strive to be generous in your interactions with others, whether through lending support or offering help. At the same time, ensure that your decisions are made with careful thought and consideration, balancing kindness with responsibility in your actions.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 112:5

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 112:5

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 112:5 mean?

Psalms 112:5 describes a good person as someone who is generous and willing to lend help to others. It emphasizes the importance of managing one's affairs wisely and with careful thought, balancing kindness with responsibility.

What is the meaning of generosity in Psalms 112:5?

In Psalms 112:5, generosity refers to the willingness to show favor and lend support to those in need. This act of kindness reflects a good character and a readiness to assist others.

How can I apply Psalms 112:5 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 112:5 by being generous in your interactions, offering help to others when possible. Additionally, ensure that your decisions are made thoughtfully, balancing kindness with responsible management of your resources.

What does discretion mean in Psalms 112:5?

In Psalms 112:5, discretion refers to the careful and prudent management of one's affairs. It highlights the importance of making thoughtful decisions that reflect both generosity and responsibility.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.