“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” (Proverbs 3:3).

Probably one of the most quoted passages occurs in this text. Of course I am writing about Proverbs 3:5-6. While that is a great text, there are many other wonderful statements in this section. In profoundly simple and easy-to-understand terms, Solomon presents the picture of balanced living. He uses the terms “mercy” and “truth.” Here the word “mercy” is chesed which is one of the great words of the Old Testament. It means “goodness, lovingkindness, and loyal love.” The word “truth” is emeth which gives the idea of “reliability, sureness.” We need to live in the balance of both mercy and truth toward ourselves and others around us. This will result in wise living indeed.

For today: Wouldn’t it be grand to strive to be consistent in living with both mercy and truth operating today?