KJV ORIGINAL
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Evil people borrow money and never pay it back, but good people show kindness and give to others.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse contrasts how wicked people take without giving back, while righteous people are generous and merciful to others.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm was written by King David, likely during a time when he observed the social and economic behaviors of different types of people in ancient Israel. In that agricultural society, borrowing and lending were common practices, especially during harvest failures or difficult times, and a person's character was often revealed through how they handled financial obligations and treated those in need.
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