Many of the proverbs picture kindness and mercy as basic values of God. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. God's approach to justice and mercy is far reaching. It extends to the way we look at a derelict, to the way we treat our enemy, to the way we treat our dog. Mercy is the natural expression of a heart overflowing with the forgiveness, patience, and kindness of God.
Mercy is the fitting response of a heart overwhelmed with the mercy it has received.
Since God loves truth and mercy, He wants His people to be a source of honest help to everyone their lives touch. God takes personally any insult or harm done to a person of poverty or weakness. God experienced the pain of a perverted justice in a special way when His Son endured the lies of false witnesses who accused Him of sin. When we show an honest concern for the needs and interests of others, we are mirroring the truth of God's interest in them. Because of our sinful nature, we are inclined to talk about others in a way that makes us look better than we are.