| NASB | NLT | VOICE |
| 5 It goes well for a person who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. | 5 God comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. | 5 Good comes to all who are gracious and share freely; they conduct their affairs with sound judgment. |
In the ancient Near Eastern context, lending was often a necessity due to the agrarian society’s dependence on seasonal crops. An agrarian society is one that relates to the cultivation of land. The law of Moses encouraged lending without interest to their community. Generosity shows that lending to the poor and needy truly connects to lending our resources to God. Jesus taught his followers the same thing. The act of lending without expecting repayments shows others what God’s grace and provision looks like and a way to understand the generosity of Christ’s sacrifice.
Justice, from a biblical perspective, involved righteous and fairness – again, a reflect of God’s character. The Hebrew concept of justice (mishpat) encompasses legal fairness, social equity, and moral integrity. In the historical context of Israel, justice was an important aspect of the covenant community. Any person’s dealings, whether in business or personal matters, should reflect God’s standards of justice. Jesus embodies perfect justice and calls on us to emulate his example.
Our generosity and justice have a ripple effect on those around us. When we live out these virtues, we contribute to a healthier more equitable community around us. Most of us can agree that our society today is a very selfish society. We are conditioned to hold on to our resources with a tight grasp and not risk letting anyone else take what we have. We must work hard in our society to contribute for our families, ourselves, and our social status and not worry about who we hurt/offend/bulldoze in the process. Jesus wants us to live in generosity. To give our excess to our neighbors. To use our time and resources to meet the needs of the marginalized around us. To voice the concerns that they have so that we can all work towards a universal right to life. The justice that Jesus works for is through generosity, mercy, and faithfulness. Give of your excess. Forgive those who have wronged you. Stay faithful to our healer, creator, and savior and allow his strength and wisdom to guide us through life.
Next slice of manna: God’s Word Still Brings Life || Psalm 119:93 || Manna for the Mind #244
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