Psalm 112:6-10 - Not Afraid (of Bad News)

Psalm 112:6-10

Arthur E. Cundall,  Daily Devotional Bible Commentary, Psalms–Malachi, vol. 2, (1974), 98

In Psalm 112 the sentiments are, as might be expected, in the tradition of Proverbs, no mention being made of exceptions.  Note the link made by v. 3b between the two psalms; since man's righteousness is derived from God, the same affirmation can be made of man's and God's.  We should translate v. 4, 'To those who fear God he is like a light that shines in darkness; he is merciful, gracious and righteous' (Weiser); he shows the same type of attributes as does God.  The RSV emendation is unfortunate, for we are dealing with the righteous man, not with God's actions.  We must link v. 5 with v. 9 (cf. comments on Psa. 15:5).  The righteous is always prepared to lend, but when he meets the genuinely poor he gives.  This is what is meant by saying he 'conducts his affairs with justice' (5b) — his standard is not human law, but the moral demands of God.