The Modesty of Goodness

(Pro 20:6 KJV)  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

I have repeatedly proclaimed my enthusiasm for the Hebrew [chesed].  My favorite translation of it is “lovingkindness”.  It is by far the most common translation in the NASB but a minor one in the KJV.  Here it sneaks in on us with “loyalty” (2617a) in the NASB and “goodness” in the KJV.  It stands out in the Amplified Bible because they use “loving kindness”.  One reason it stands out is it seems so out of place.

There is a bit of insight into the human personality.  This verse proclaims that most of us have a high opinion of ourselves.  We tend to think that we display this kind of character trait.  The way it is used suggests we should walk carefully here.  We are not as noble as we think we are.  In stead this implies that such people are hard to “find” (4672).

So?  A bit of humility is always good.  We are to strive for this kind of attitude.  We are not to claim it.  God will supply it through His grace and our obedience.