* Proverbs 3:3 - Don't Let Kindness and Truth Forsake You

Do not let kindness and truth forsake you; fasten them around your neck. Inscribe them on the tablet of your heart. -- Proverbs 3:3, RLIV

WHILE justice is the first feature of the commandment of love, it is not the end of its requirements: it requires that, going beyond strict justice, our love shall prompt us to the exercise of mercy and forgiveness. And in thus exercising mercy we are again but copying divine love.... Hence, in our dealings with others who, like ourselves, are fallen and imperfect, we are to remember this feature and not only be just toward them but, additionally, to be merciful, generous, kind, even to the unthankful, -- that thus we may be children of our Father in heaven. -- Excerpt from "Abiding in Divine Love, Conditional," Watch Tower, June 1, 1902, R3020:6. Also: Daily Heavenly Manna for January 24

The Hebrew word often transliterated as chêsêd, rendered as "kindness" above, appears to mean more than simply kindness. Some translations render this word as "mercy" in Proverbs 3:3. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to actually translate such Hebrew words with English words that capture the exact full meaning of the Hebrew, but it appears to mean a dedicated kindness, a consistent kindness, as well as a kindness from the heart based on love. 

The Hebrew word often transliterated as 'emeth, rendered as "truth" above, also appears to mean more than "truth" as we often think of in English. Solomon is not saying that one needs to learn every truth there is to know in the universe, and not let it forsake you. We all may present thoughts at times that we think to be true, but they may not be true. Nor does it appear to be referring especially related to declaring the truth about Jesus. The Hebrew word refers to firmness, faithfulness, sureness, reliability. One of the meanings given to this word is "faithfulness", and this appears to be the way that it is being used in Proverbs 3:3. It seems to be referring to being truthful, reliable in what one says, keeping promises (Psalm 30:10; Isaiah 59:14), and refraining from speaking what false of our neighbors. These qualities of character should figuratively be bound to our neck, possibly referring to the custom of wearing a precious jewel as hung on a chain or cord around the neck. In other words, the qualities should be of constant concern, as something precious. And we should figuratively write these qualities on the table of our hearts. They should pervade our heart's desires constantly. They are to become a part of us. 

Kindness, however, does represent having the qualities of being merciful, tender, and sympathetic. It is given as one of the fruits of the spirit, and thus surely should be cultivated as part of our Christian character. So likewise gentleness and faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22,23) If one is not faithful to his words prove to be untruthful. If we figuratively bind the quality of being truthful around our neck and inscribe this quality in our heart, we will be constantly reminded that our words should be truthful, and that we should speak truth. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Other Comments:

Some may be inclined to "get religious" at times and seek to put truth and kindness around their neck only at such times. Such temporary or situational adherence surely falls short of that which is spoken of in Proverbs 3:3. The Christian's consecration would demand that such be inscribed in the heart at all times, even into eternity. 

The child of God should trust in Jehovah, his God, at all times, regardless of circumstances. Without this trust, God's Holy Spirit cannot sustain us or give us strength when we are faced with what may seem to us to be insurmountable problems. Trusting Him at every step we take, He can sustain us and encourage us through His spirit so that we may continue to be truthful and to be kind to all, as we have opportunity. We should, of course, be especially kind to our brothers in Christ, freely forgiving one another, just as Christ has forgiven us. -- Ephesians 4:34; Galatians 6:10. -- RRD.

BE STRONG

BE strong to bear, O heart of mine,

Faint not when sorrows come.

The sum of all these ills of earth

Prepares thee for thy home.

So many burdened ones there are

Close toiling by thy side,

Assist, encourage, comfort them,

Thine own deep anguish hide.

What though thy trials may seem great?

Thy strength is known to God,

And pathways steep and rugged lead

To pastures green and broad.

Be strong to love, O heart of mine,

Live not for self alone;

But find, in blessing other lives,

Completeness for thine own.

Seek every hungry heart to feed,

Each saddened heart to cheer;

And when stern justice stands aloof,

In mercy draw thou near.

True, loving words and helping hands

Have won more souls for Heaven

Than all the mixed and various creeds

By priests and sages given.

For every grief a joy will come,

For every toil a rest;

So hope, so love, so patient bear— ​

God doeth all things best.

Be strong to hope, O heart of mine,

Look not on life's dark side;

For just beyond these gloomy hours

Rich, radiant days abide.

Let hope, like summer's rainbow bright,

Scatter thy falling tears,

And let God's precious promises

Dispel thine anxious fears.

Related (We do not necessarily agree with all statements given):

 "Clothed with the Graces of the Spirit"

"Studies in the First Epistle of John, Part 4".

Feel free to add your comments below...

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