The Tie That Binds

(Pro 3:3 KJV)  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Here we see “mercy" (kindness NASB) (2617a) [chesed] and “truth” (571) linked together.  Here it seems they go well but it brings to mind a verse from the NT,

(1Co 8:1 KJV)  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

In Corinthians it seems like simple knowledge, which I assume involves truth, is a problem by itself.  In Corinthians knowledge pushes against love.  In Proverbs they are joined at the hip.

Notice the Hebrew word for “kindness” is [chesed].  My favorite translation of this word is “lovingkindness”.  To me it is the Hebrew word that matches the Greek [agape] which is used in the Corinthians verse.  I would say that the point is we need both.  When we go on love it morphs away from agape into something Hollywood and sociologists would approve of and away from the complex demand of God.  If we go with just truth we can become heartless legalists.

So?  Always cling to the truth but as we cling we should be administering it with the love described in I Corinthians 13.  Consider this a pre-Valentine thought. 

Just(ice) Right(eous) Love

(Proverbs 12:5 KJV)  The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

We are expected to be “right” (just NASB) (4941).  I have already gone through a litany of what that means but being “righteous” (6662) is more than being fair and adhering to truth.  If that is all we seek, we can become legalists.  We would be honorable and useful members of society, but legalists none the less.

Keep in mind the caution about this trap.

(1 Corinthians 8:1 NAS77)  Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.

I use the NASB because the KJV uses “charity” here instead of “love.” 

Our goal should not be knowledge alone.  That can be a trap of self-righteousness.  Our goal is love because it edifies and builds up. 

So?  Be just.  That is a benchmark, a starting point, a convenient measure.  But let the love of Christ control you as you live in that justice.

(2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV)  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: