KJV ORIGINAL
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
To those who are merciful, you show mercy; to those who are upright, you show yourself as upright;
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God responds to people in ways that mirror their own character - showing mercy to the merciful and righteousness to the righteous.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from David's psalm of thanksgiving after God delivered him from his enemies, including King Saul. David is reflecting on God's faithfulness and how God's character responds to human character. In ancient Hebrew culture, this principle of divine reciprocity was understood as God's justice - blessing those who walk in righteousness while opposing those who choose wickedness.
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