Proverbs 3:3

The two elements of a morally perfect character:

(1) “Mercy,” shutting out all forms of selfishness and hate.

(2) “Truth,” shutting out all deliberate falsehood, all hypocrisy, conscious or unconscious.

The words that follow possibly refer to the Eastern custom of writing sacred names on pieces of papyrus or parchment, and wearing them around the neck, as charms and talismans against evil. Compare, however, 1 Peter 3:3.