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ESV Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
NIVThe righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
NASBA righteous person has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
CSBThe righteous cares about his animal’s health, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
NLTThe godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.
KJVA righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
NKJV A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
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THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.
This verse sets an important perspective for a biblical view of animal rights. While God created all animals for the use of mankind (Genesis 1:28; 9:3), He also expects us to respect and care for those resources, not to abuse them. In fact, Solomon connects a person's righteousness to their treatment of animals. The point is not that those who love God must be vegetarians nor is this giving an idolized sense of animal values. The message is that a godly perspective on creation naturally leads to respect for all creatures. The God-fearing (Proverbs 1:7) person will treat them kindly, feed them properly, and care for them when they hurt.
In his regard for his animals, the righteous person resembles the Good Shepherd, Jesus. The Good Shepherd cares for the basic needs of His flock (Psalm 23:2). He protects them (John 10:3–4, 11). In a related passage, Deuteronomy 25:4 commanded the farmers of Israel not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain. A cruel farmer would muzzle his ox to prevent it from eating some grain. While this might save some time, and a tiny amount of harvest, it is unkind and unhelpful to the animal.
In contrast to godly attitudes, a wicked person's approach to animals can't be anything more than cruelty. Even their "mercy," in such a case, is relatively harsh and abusive. Cruelty to animals is seen today in staged dog fights, in starving animals, in animal beatings, in neglecting proper care of pets, and in abandoning helpless animals. Believers need to be careful not to elevate animals to equal human beings (Genesis 1:26–27). However, preventing animal cruelty and rescuing abused animals both reflect a godly attitude towards creation.
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www.BibleRef.com| Sitemap| Books of the Bible| Passages
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.