What does the Lord require of you?
The entire Old Testament law, summarized in one verse.
The episode in a glance.
- 01The question is rhetorical — Micah already knows the answer.
- 02'Do justice' means active, public rightness — not just private goodness.
- 03'Love kindness' is about loyalty and steadfast love, not just being nice.
- 04'Walk humbly' is the posture that makes the other two possible.
Read along.
Micah 6:8 — 'He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' This is the most compact summary of the Old Testament law.
'Do justice' — active, public, structural rightness. Not just 'be a good person privately.' It means showing up for the vulnerable, challenging unfairness, making things right.
'Love kindness' — the Hebrew word is hesed. It's covenant loyalty. Steadfast love that keeps its promises. Not just being nice when it's easy. Love that sticks around.
'Walk humbly with your God' — humility isn't self-deprecation. It's knowing your place before God and staying there. And 'walk' means it's ongoing. Not a one-time posture. A daily lifestyle. Justice, kindness, humility — that's the whole thing.