“Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne” (Proverbs 20:28).
In previous blogs the Hebrew word hesed has been introduced and considered (see 4/22’s “What Matters Most” and 5/7’s “Easier Said than Done”).
In this proverb hesed is used twice. In the first half, it is translated “mercy”. In the second half, it is translated “lovingkindness” (in the NKJV).
From pauper to king, certain character traits are essential to earthly and spiritual success. Hesed—integrity, steadfast and unwavering loyalty to one’s word, covenant keeping, mercy, and lovingkindness—is an essential.
