Micah 6:8

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?

King James Version

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

New International Version

Moral Guidance

Micah 6:8 succinctly yet profoundly sums up God’s expectations for how His people should live. The verse arises out of Micah’s prophecy to both Israel and Judah that God requires more from them than mere rituals and offerings.

Rather, the Lord calls them to live just or righteous lives. As His covenant people, they must emulate His character by dealing fairly with others and upholding justice in society. This applies not only to judicial matters but to all relationships and responsibilities.

In addition, God expects His people to “love mercy.” True devotion to God is marked by compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to all people, especially the vulnerable or marginalized. Love should motivate mercy.

Finally, to “walk humbly with your God” encapsulates a right sense of oneself before the Creator. Rather than pride and self-reliance fueling one’s journey, humility and submission to God should characterize one’s life. Micah makes clear God values modesty and reliance on Him alone.

This powerful verse boils down the essence of God’s will into three succinct phrases that define what pleases Him: pursuing justice, showing mercy, and living humbly. These ethical commands transcend ritual and outward acts by demanding the right moral character and conduct, which reflect the very nature of God Himself.

When believers emulate God’s attributes of justice, mercy and humility, they live out Micah 6:8. This verse serves as a profound yet accessible moral compass for all who desire to walk faithfully with the Lord. It calls every follower of God to look inward and assess if their lives exhibit justice, mercy and humility above all else.

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