Proverbs 3:3 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Let not mercy, and truth forsake thee— Virtue and fidelity, Schultens; who observes, that these words are often joined together concerning God; see Psalms 25:10; Psalms 89:14 concerning man; Genesis 24:49; Genesis 47:29. Joshua 2:14. With men, nothing can be more advantageous than virtue and fidelity, which include the sincere and constant performance of all kinds of duty. By an inversion of the syntax it is said, Let them not forsake thee, instead of Forsake not thou virtue and fidelity. See Genesis 24:27 and there is much beauty and strength in this mode of expression. God commands us here to exercise mercy and truth, compassion and fidelity, towards each other; and he promises us in return, that we shall find favour and good success with men, Proverbs 3:4 where, instead of good understanding, we may read, good encouragement. See 2 Corinthians 8:21.