Proverbs 3:3-4

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (KJV)

The NIV version says "Let love and faithfulness never leave you..."

So what is is that we are supposed to cling to? Mercy and truth or love and faithfulness?

Let's try another English translation:

The NASB says, "...kindness and truth...."
The RSV says, "...loyalty and faithfulness..."

Sometimes I get so mad at those Bable-onians... why did they have to make that tower? So much depth of meaning gets lost in translation. Wouldn't it be nice if we all still spoke Hebrew? (There is some strong evidence that Hebrew was the original language of man.....but thats another post).

The first word, in Hebrew, is "kheh'-sed"(if that helps). It is translated as mercy, kindness, loving kindness, goodness, kindly, merciful , etc... depending on the context. The idea seems to be one of doing good to others.

The second word, "eh-meth" can be translated as firmness, stability, truth, fidelity, faithfulness, the integrity of a judge, etc... again, depending on the context. The idea here seems to reflect the unwavering truth of God that you can always count on. God never breaks his promises. His truth will last forever. His principles are everlasting.

So... we seem have a command here that tells us how to relate to others (love them) and to God (trust Him).

Keep mercy and truth close to your heart - cling to truth and love others - and you will find favor with both God and man.