To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Pity - a proverb х checed (H2617)]. Checed is the love which judges indulgently of our fellowmen: it is put on a par with truth in Proverbs 3:3. "Mercy and truth," for they together form the essence of moral perfection (Umbreit). It is the spirit of Christianity. "Above all, have fervent charity among yourselves" (1 Peter 4:8); "Charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7); "Love covereth all sins" (Proverbs 10:12); "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). If it ought to be used toward all men, much more toward friends. It was in this loving spirit, in judging Job under his afflictions, that his friends proved themselves so deficient. But he who does not use it forsaketh (renounceth) the fear of the Almighty. 'Love is due to the afflicted from his friend, unless he (the latter) has renounced the fear of the Almighty' (Umbreit; James 2:13).