The Good Life

(Proverbs 14:22 KJV)  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Notice the mention of the qualities of “mercy” (kindness NASB) (2617a) [chesed] and “truth” (571).  We tend to think that those are the ways that the righteous express themselves to others.  I think that is true but that is not what is being said here.  In this verse these are rewards that are given to the upright.

“Mercy” (kindness NASB) is chesed, that glorious Old Testament word that I think of as the Hebrew agape.  When we walk in conscious obedience the loving kindness of God is extended toward us.  And as followers of the Living God we have the gift of truth.  We see things as they are, not through the fog of pagan deception.

So?  It isn’t money in the bank, but it is a reward.  The life of the righteous is better than the life of the evil.