The Lord's Requirements
W. D. Horwood. Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy… I. THE DUTIES EXPRESSED BY THE PROPHET. They are most reasonable; there is nothing in them but what every enlightened mind will most cordially agree to. 1. To "do justly." Not only to think and speak justly, but to act so — to act with honesty, integrity, and fidelity, without injuring, defrauding, oppressing or tempting to evil any one. To "do justly" is in every way to befriend your neighbour. 2. To "love mercy." To take pleasure in acts of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. The love of mercy is a very different thing from any act of professed mercy. Real mercy lies in the motive of kindness, and the love of it lies in the gratification felt in another's benefit. The love of mercy is a mighty impulse to its exercise. The love of mercy gives an intensity to it. 3. To "walk humbly with God." This indicates a teachable, submissive, thankful, patient, and dependent spirit; a close communion with God; and a progressive know ledge of the character and majesty of the Deity. As this knowledge dawns upon the soul, so does the soul sink into self-abasement. The great characteristic of walking with God on earth is trust in Christ. II. THE MOTIVES FURNISHED IN THE TEXT FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THESE DUTIES. 1. One motive is derived from the exhibition of the Lord's goodness. 2. Another from the authority of the requirement. 3. Another from the nature and reasonableness of the things required. (W. D. Horwood.) Parallel Verses KJV: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? WEB: He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?