Psa 112:5 | KingComments | STEP | The time of the realm of peace has not yet arrived. That the man who fears the LORD is blessed does not mean that there will not be dark days in his life ( ). We recognize this in the saying: ‘God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival.’ Darkness means that setbacks are coming. But when darkness comes, at the same time “the light arises in the darkness” (cf. ). This is the light of God’s presence. And if the upright is killed because of his faithfulness to God, he will still have a share in the day when the Sun of righteousness arises. The upright possesses the Divine nature ( ) and therefore has the attributes of God. He walks in the light, making it clear that he is “gracious and compassionate and righteous” (cf. ). These attributes of God become visible in his relationship with others. One who sees himself in the light of God acknowledges that God has been “gracious and compassionate and righteous” toward him. Therefore, he will be so toward others ( ). The features of God are especially manifested in the upright as a “man who is gracious and lends” ( ; cf. ; ). This is true wealth and the use of wealth in the right way (cf. ). Things are not going badly for that man, but “well” because of his compassion for someone in need. That he gracious toward his neighbor is shown by the fact that he lends him money. He thereby proves that he loves his neighbor. “He will maintain his cause in judgment.” He knows the law because he delights in God’s commandments ( ). As a result, he acts in accordance with Who God is.

‏ Psalms 112:5

Features of the Upright

The time of the realm of peace has not yet arrived. That the man who fears the LORD is blessed does not mean that there will not be dark days in his life (Psa 112:4). We recognize this in the saying: ‘God has not promised us an easy journey, but He has promised us a safe arrival.’

Darkness means that setbacks are coming. But when darkness comes, at the same time “the light arises in the darkness” (cf. 2Pet 1:19). This is the light of God’s presence. And if the upright is killed because of his faithfulness to God, he will still have a share in the day when the Sun of righteousness arises.

The upright possesses the Divine nature (2Pet 1:3-4) and therefore has the attributes of God. He walks in the light, making it clear that he is “gracious and compassionate and righteous” (cf. Isa 58:10). These attributes of God become visible in his relationship with others. One who sees himself in the light of God acknowledges that God has been “gracious and compassionate and righteous” toward him. Therefore, he will be so toward others (Lk 6:36).

The features of God are especially manifested in the upright as a “man who is gracious and lends” (Psa 112:5; cf. Deu 15:8; Lev 25:35). This is true wealth and the use of wealth in the right way (cf. 1Tim 6:17-19). Things are not going badly for that man, but “well” because of his compassion for someone in need. That he gracious toward his neighbor is shown by the fact that he lends him money. He thereby proves that he loves his neighbor. “He will maintain his cause in judgment.” He knows the law because he delights in God’s commandments (Psa 112:1). As a result, he acts in accordance with Who God is.