“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (v. 3). These are not passing virtues; they are companions for life. Mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed) and truth (אְֶמֶה, emeh) are attributes of God, and Solomon urges his son (i.e., the student of wisdom) not merely to admire them but to wear them. Like a pendant resting close to the heart, mercy and truth are to adorn the life of the believer—visible to others, treasured by the soul. And more than worn, they are to be written deep within, etched into the heart like the Law upon stone. For what is mercy without constancy? What is truth without love? Both must dwell together, just as they do in Christ.
This is not about an external show of goodness. These verses are a call to be inwardly formed by God’s character—to let mercy guide your hands and truth guide your tongue, and to be patient with the faults of others and honest in your dealings with all. Such a life is not only godly; it is beautiful and honorable. “And so, find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man” (v. 4). This is not the flattery of men or the fickle applause of the world, but the quiet dignity of a life lived well—gracious before God and honorable among neighbors. When mercy and truth are the rhythm of your steps, you will walk in peace even when the road is hard like potholes in Michigan.
These verses also reflect the incarnate Wisdom of God—Jesus Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In Him, mercy and truth kiss (Psalm 85:10); in Him, truth did not forsake love. He wore no golden chain but carried a cross, and yet through Him we are clothed with favor before God. He is our mercy. He is the truth written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit. “What is truth?” Pilate asked (John 18:38). It was literally staring him in the face: Jesus Christ is truth. And now, as His redeemed people, we are called to reflect Him—not perfectly, but truly—showing mercy to the underserving and speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Therefore, bind them around your neck—not as mere decoration but as devotion. Write them not on paper but on your heart. Let your words drip with kindness and your actions be rooted in truth. In this, you will find favor—not by striving, but by abiding in Christ, who is the fullness of mercy and truth for you.
The Lutheran Column 