A GOOD MAN – “CHARACTER TRAITS”

There is an old English proverb, which talks about the worth and the value of our character. 
– “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character lost, everything is lost.”
The meaning and the emphasis being, money can be earned again. Health has a lot of value, and it is not easily replaceable. However, one’s character is the most precious, priceless and irreplaceable aspect of every person, anywhere in the world, and living at anytime in the history.

What the Bible emphasises is the same for all who are the disciples of the LORD – the Christians. Let us read Psalm 112:4-5 and see what we can learn about character of a Christian.
– “4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” – Psalm 112:4-5

The list of character traits from the above verses, are indicators of our hearts, minds, attitudes and our intentions, be it an individual, a group, a society or a nation that call themselves, Christian. A chuck of yellow metal does not become gold, unless it displays the characteristics of gold, and the same can be thoroughly verified. Same is the case with Christians.

1- “UNTO THE UPRIGHT THERE ARISETH LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”
When we walk uprightly, in God’s way, by His grace and help, the LORD God Almighty is well pleased with us, and will shine upon us, HIS LIGHT – His grace, mercy and providence.
– “The “upright” refers to those who live in accordance with God’s laws, reflecting integrity and moral character.” – Berean Study Bible

2- “HE IS GRACIOUS, AND FULL OF COMPASSION, AND RIGHTEOUS”
A Christian displays grace, compassion and righteousness, as his character. This is essential, if we claim to be the “FOLLOWERS” and the “DISCIPLES” of the LORD Jesus Christ. How can one be different from His Master, in our thoughts, words and deeds?
– “Graciousness is a key attribute of God, often associated with mercy and kindness…being gracious involved showing favor and kindness to others, often in a way that reflects God’s own grace. This characteristic is expected of the upright, as they mirror God’s nature in their interactions with others.” – Berean Study Bible

3- “A GOOD MAN SHEWETH FAVOUR, AND LENDETH”
A “Good Man” is expected to show favour, and lend or share, what he has, with those who do not have. It is an indication of the sensitive and generous nature of the individual. Such demonstration of our nature, personality and character is the reflection of the LORD Himself, who is now, our everything, as a Christian. We are simply following our Master. Remember John 3:16?
– “The act of lending freely without expecting repayment is a reflection of God’s grace and provision, and it foreshadows the ultimate generosity of Christ’s sacrifice.” – Berean Study Bible

4- “HE WILL GUIDE HIS AFFAIRS WITH DISCRETION”
A “Good Man” conducts himself and all his affairs with discretion. There are a lot of temptations in the world. It is easy to be distracted, and lose our path. It is the discretion – being JUST, FAIR, WISE, PRUDENT and SENSIBLE – which become the foundation for our life and living, so that, we may firmly and resolutely follow our LORD, who had He Himself walked on it.
– “With discretion…so as is fit and meet, and as God requires, not getting his estate unjustly, nor casting it away prodigally or wickedly, nor yet withholding it uncharitably from such as need it.” – Matthew Poole

May we sincerely desire such a life, and seek the LORD fervently, to be gracious towards us, and help us, to walk such a path, faithfully and obediently. Even so the LORD help us.