EGW WritingsMicah 6

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 27—Ahaz

PK 325.4

“O My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.” Micah 6:1-5.

PK 326.1

In the days of apostasy in Judah and Israel, many were inquiring: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?” The answer is plain and positive: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

The Review and Herald

April 1, 1915

RH April 1, 1915, par. 12

“O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.” Micah 6:1-5.

RH April 1, 1915, par. 14

In the days of apostasy in Judah and Israel, many were inquiring. “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil.” The answer is plain and positive: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1268—Wrong Principles Followed in Battle Creek; Moral Integrity to be Maintained by Each Individual

[Micah 6:1, 6-12, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 4, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 4, 1896, par. 32

“Hear ye now what the Lord saith; arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.” “Wherewithal shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name; hear ye that rod and who hath appointed it. Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” [Micah 6:1, 6-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 13, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 13, 1902, par. 40

I have just asked God to quicken the understanding of His people. “Hear ye now what the Lord saith: Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. O my people, what have I done unto thee; and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:1-8.] All these things God requires. He requires of His people humiliation of spirit. The Lord will not be trifled with. He will surely punish those who persist in misrepresenting His character.

17LtMs, Lt 13, 1902, par. 41

“Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” [Verses 10-12.] Fraud is a common sin. God abhors sharp dealing. Such dealing is never to be brought into any line of His work. There is to be nothing about this work that savors of a grasping, selfish spirit. God will surely turn aside any advantage gained by selfish, unjust dealing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 8, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 8, 1901, par. 21

Please read attentively the sixth chapter of Micah. “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Verses 6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 164, 1904

Berrien Springs, Michigan

May 19, 1904

Previously unpublished.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 1

Micah 6:1-9. “Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 2

“Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee”—here is a large question, “What doth the Lord require of thee?”—“but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 3

“The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, who hath appointed it.”

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 4

There is a departure from God, and He hath sent His rod. Surely the rod belongs unto our people, and it has come upon us.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 5

“Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.” [Verses 10-14.]

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 6

Now, there is a message here to us as a people. God requires that every institution that is created among this people shall stand on the highest vantage ground. And the Lord has a controversy with His people—especially with those who claim to be in control. Every one who is in a position to direct must first be controlled by the Lord God of heaven. He must make it his first work to take counsel of the living God, the God who is in heaven. In every movement that he would undertake the man bearing responsibility is to see that it bears the character of Christ’s work, that it is in harmony with the principles which God has laid down in His Word. The co-worker with Christ must copy after the similitude of Jesus’ character. If one gives evidence that he has not been learning of Christ in His school, if one gives evidence that he has not asked counsel from the Lord God of hosts, then what? If his way is crossed, if anything comes up that does not agree with his special ideas, he will be sharp and severe. Are the words of that character that the Lord will commend?

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 7

There is no man in our world that of himself is capable of standing without any counsel but the counsel of his own heart and his own will. There is no man that is capable of taking upon himself the responsible position of leading out in enterprises without counsel. Matters may look to him to be all right, and yet there may be mistakes in his calculation. And the Lord sees fit in His great mercy to give warnings, to let testimonies come, that men may understand that they are in danger, and that they are not moving in the counsel of God as He has directed them. And often men will not take the counsel that the Lord has given, but march straight on and do just as they please.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 8

As a people we should know just where we are. Let us understand that the time has come for us to call a halt, and to know whether or not we have the Lord God of Israel for our Leader.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 9

If everyone feels the responsibility of giving the Word of God to the people; if every speaker knows that he has an angel right by his side, the word spoken, and the work done will prosper. Christ says, “You go out, and teach the words that I have commanded you;” and He tells them to baptize those that shall be converted. [Matthew 28:19, 20.] They are to go. No one is to be appointed to stay right in one place. But as they feel the burden of the work of God upon them, they are to go out; they are not to go to places where every one knows just as much of the truth as they know. They are to go to places where men know not the truth. They are to lay hold of souls, and in a wise and winning manner try to draw them to the truth. Now, that is the work that Christ gave His disciples. He commanded that they should teach those things that He has commanded them, and then He says, “Lo, I am with you”—now and then?—“always, even unto the end of the world.” [Verse 20.]

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 10

Suppose every teacher realized this. Suppose every teacher felt the accountability that is upon them before God. Those who are seeking to get an education in the places where schools are appointed—those students must be educated to carry with them that spirit that God said them might have. “Lo, I am with you.” [Verse 20.] Is He here in person today? I do not see Him. But I see Him by the eye of faith, or I would not be here. Then I am to realize that I am in the presence of the Lord God of hosts, that I am accountable for the words that I speak to the people. And so with every one who shall have a special work to do, whether he is a gospel medical missionary, or whether he is at the head of a sanitarium, it places every one in that particular position where he cannot afford to do a dishonest action.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 11

Many talk of principle, going according to principle. What principle? Is it a principle borne of the human defective character, or is it a principle that is found in the Word of God, which every one will have to meet in the day of final accounts, when every case is to be brought in review before God, and every case it to be decided? By what? Well, we read of a book in Revelation that was in the hand of One. There it was seen, and no one could open the book. And there was great mourning and weeping and agony because they could not open the book.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 12

But one says, “Here is One, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, He can open the book.” [Revelation 5:5.] He takes the book, and then O what rejoicing there was! The book was opened, and now it can be read, and every case will be decided according to the things that are written in the book. A person’s word is nothing. The name that stands in that book does not have one tittle of influence, but it is the One who writes the very purposes of the heart, and every member of the human family is to decide whether the works of that one have been to glorify God or glorify himself.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 13

We have a wonderful work before us. We have a world to save, and it is growing worse and worse all the time. This work Satan means shall be hindered on the right hand and on the left hand. He means to set in operation everything that is possible, that he may call away the attention of the people from their work as individuals. God has said, “To every man He has given his work.” [Mark 13:34.] Here we are with accountabilities that we have to praise God for.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 14

Now He calls attention, in Micah, to those who do not understand. He tells us, “Hear ye now what the Lord saith: Arise, contend thou before the mountains.” He pleads with them, “What have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee?” [Micah 6:1, 3.] What is the matter? Hear the Word of God, and obey it from the heart, as sensible, reasonable beings. Are they doing it in every church, in every place? What about the church? Are not you going to have any church anywhere? Yes, we are to have churches, but that church is not to be hovered over as though they had not any responsible soul, nor any responsible work. That church is to be educated from the first time that the minister enters into that church to be a laborer.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 15

I want to say, The Lord is dealing with us. I want to say that the Lord God of Israel is not dealing with us in societies and in councils alone, but with every individual. He is dealing with us. Every man is accountable to God in the morning. Does he offer up his petition to heaven to keep him through the day? Or does he feel fully capable of going in his own strength? Now God wants that church to be educated, to be trained. You may go into the desk and give a sermon, but there is something else to be done.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 16

The education of the child should be begun in the very home. Parents are to be the first educators of their children. They are to feel that a holy charge is upon them. They have got children, and they are accountable for the impress of character that they give to them. There is not to be in that house one word of passion, or that is contrary to kindness and patience to those little children.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 17

The children want a religious mother and a religious father, and they want to see in the countenance pleasantness, and they want if anything is said—I have had my children in my arms, and they would burst out crying, for they saw the sadness in my countenance. I understood it. I have learned my lesson, and I want to say that there is in the home the first school. Sanctify that home every morning by prayer. Ask God wisdom. And at night before you retire thank God for His mercies through the day. Educate those children to understand that they are amenable to God. And no disobedience can be passed by.

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 18

Parents must talk with them, and teach them from the Word that God has said that children must be brought up in the admonition and the fear of the Lord. Then here is the Word that they are to give to them. They have children to go right into the church with them to be helpers together with them. Then that church that is thus conducted will have members that are reliable. It would be so, but they have forgotten God, that they are amenable to Him. There is to be a reformation all through every household, if you are ready for judgment, if your name is in that book that is sealed, if it is such that will commend your course of action, then Christ will say, “Have a seat on My throne.” He has promised, “To him”—that falls under every temptation that comes?—no—“to him that overcometh,” He says, “They shall sit down with Me upon My throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with my Father on His throne.” [Revelation 3:21.]

19LtMs, Ms 164, 1904, par. 19

Is it so that the Lord God of heaven, the King of saints, has laid off His crown, has laid aside His royal robe, has clothed His divinity with humanity, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich? Rich in gold? No, gold does not begin to compare with the heavenly riches.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 405, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 405, 1904, par. 13

Some have been placed in leading positions in the church who have received an education that was continually unfitting them to enter that city whose builder and maker is God. The medical fraternity, I have seen, was sick and needed a physician higher than any earthly skill can furnish to heal them of their wrong transactions. The record book in heaven will tell every transaction. I now, as God’s servant, tell you to break up your relationship with Dr. Kellogg. If possible, take your wife and family and move to California. But do not sell your soul to do an unfair action. All connected with that sanitarium in Mexico is wrapped up in papers that no one will want to bring to light; and there are many such things that have been done that God has condemned. Read Micah 6. This chapter testifies the mind of God. I shall only warn you to be guarded. If you have placed things in an uncertain light to do injustice to one soul, the Lord Jesus says, “Ye have done it unto Me in the person of my saints.” [See Matthew 25:40, 45.] We are now brought into terrible perplexities. Sanitarium after sanitarium has become loaded down with debts. Shall these institutions [be] tied up with the commercial work brought in so largely of the food enterprise? God did not place this upon Dr. Kellogg, and his mixing in this matter has been a mistake. His work, the Lord had signified, was to act as His physician. As a physician he was not to embrace such commercial business. The Lord is not honored or glorified. The Holy Spirit of God is misrepresented, and I am so sorry. May the Lord God reveal Himself and place His stamp so definitely upon that which is right that Dr. [Kellogg] will come to his senses is my prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 108, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 1

I have words to speak to the church in Battle Creek. My brethren and sisters, you have need now to consider carefully your course of action. Where will those be found who continue in a course of rebellion against God? I am bidden to repeat to you this message: “Hear [ye, O mountains, the Lord’s] controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth; for the Lord hath a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel. O My people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against Me.” [Micah 6:2, 3.]

20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 37

“The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the men of wisdom shall see Thy name; hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.” [Micah 6:8-13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 137, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 137, 1908, par. 1

Micah 6:2-8.

23LtMs, Ms 137, 1908, par. 6

Micah 6:9, 10, 11-16.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

His Long-Suffering Mercy

8T 275.6

“O My people, what have I done unto thee?
And wherein have I wearied thee?” Micah 6:3.

From Splendor to Shadow

Great Peril for the Chosen Nation

SS 171.4

Through Micah came the wonderful appeal, “O My people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against Me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants.” Micah 6:3, 4.

SS 172.1

In Judah and Israel many were inquiring: “Shall I come before the Lord ... with burnt offerings? ... Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?” The answer is plain: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

Daughters of God

Miriam, Sister of Moses

DG 32.3

At Hazeroth, the next encampment after leaving Taberah, a still more bitter trial awaited Moses. Aaron and Miriam had occupied a position of high honor and leadership in Israel. Both were endowed with the prophetic gift, and both had been divinely associated with Moses in the deliverance of the Hebrews. “I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam” (Micah 6:4) are the words of the Lord by the prophet Micah.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 33—From Sinai to Kadesh

PP 382.3

At Hazeroth, the next encampment after leaving Taberah, a still more bitter trial awaited Moses. Aaron and Miriam had occupied a position of high honor and leadership in Israel. Both were endowed with the prophetic gift, and both had been divinely associated with Moses in the deliverance of the Hebrews. “I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam” (Micah 6:4), are the words of the Lord by the prophet Micah. Miriam’s force of character had been early displayed when as a child she watched beside the Nile the little basket in which was hidden the infant Moses. Her self-control and tact God had made instrumental in preserving the deliverer of His people. Richly endowed with the gifts of poetry and music, Miriam had led the women of Israel in song and dance on the shore of the Red Sea. In the affections of the people and the honor of Heaven she stood second only to Moses and Aaron. But the same evil that first brought discord in heaven sprang up in the heart of this woman of Israel, and she did not fail to find a sympathizer in her dissatisfaction.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 14, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 14, 1903, par. 13

In Josiah’s day the Word of the Lord was as binding and should have been as strictly enforced as at the time it was spoken. And today it is as binding as it was then. God is always true to His Word. What should we do—we who have had great light? The law has been kept constantly before us. Time and again we have heard it preached. The Lord’s anger is kindled against His people because of their disregard of His Word. Conviction of soul should send us in penitence to the foot of the cross, there to pray with the whole heart, saying, “What shall we do to be saved? Wherewithal shall we come before the Lord?” [See Acts 16:30; Micah 6:6.] My brethren, inquire quickly, before it is too late.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”

DA 469.2

Abraham’s experience answered the question: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:6, 7. In the words of Abraham, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” (Genesis 22:8), and in God’s provision of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no man could make expiation for himself. The pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptable to God. No father was to offer up his son or his daughter for a sin offering. The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Self-Existent One, January 16

JNN 23.3

Abraham’s experience answered the question: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6, 7). In the words of Abraham, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” (Genesis 22:8), and in God’s provision of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no person could make expiation for himself. The pagan system of sacrifice was wholly unacceptable to God.... The Son of God alone can bear the guilt of the world.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 16—“Lost, and Is Found”

COL 210.2

Many are constantly questioning, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?” But “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 80

The question is asked by the prophet Micah, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 193, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 193, 1897, par. 18

Our schools have been instituted not only to give our youth a knowledge of scientific truth but to open to them the Scriptures, that they may be partakers of the benefit of the gospel, be transformed in character, and be elevated in value in the sight of heavenly intelligences. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [Proverbs 9:10.] This is the foundation of true knowledge; but Satan is opposed to having human agents gain a true knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. He is willing that the human agent should learn anything but this; for “This is the life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.” [John 17:3.] “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23, 24.] “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sins of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgressions of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depth of the sea.” [Micah 6:6-8; 7:18, 19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 121, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 23

God will reveal Himself as the friend of justice and mercy. He always has been and always will be the enemy of selfishness and covetousness. No one can obtain His favor and blessing who practices fraud, oppressing his brother or a stranger because it is in his power to do so. God blesses those only who love mercy, showing this not only in word but in deed, giving evidence by their courtesy and kindness that they walk with God. “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of the soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:6-8.]

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:20.

MB 53.3

All this the Jews should have learned from the teachings of the prophets. Centuries before, the cry of the soul for justification with God had found voice and answer in the words of the prophet Micah: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? ... He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed

1SAT 189.1

I love Him; I love Him for He first loved me. He has broken my heart; He has broken it, and it is not good for anything unless it is broken. Your heart is not good for anything unless it is broken. God help us that we may this very day surrender to God. There is a work to be done here. There is a work to be done in the church—a wonderful work. You are to love as you never have loved before. You are to pray to Him as you never have prayed before. You are to seek Him as you never have sought Him before. Are you going into a monastic cell as Martin Luther did to scourge yourself? The question is asked: “Shall I give my firstborn ... for the sin of my soul?” [see Micah 6:6-8]. Is it burnt offerings and sacrifices that God requires? He says, “My soul is full of them.” It is not that. It is a contrite heart; it is that you walk humbly, and deal justly, and show mercy. This is your work.

The General Conference Bulletin

December 1, 1895

GCB December 1, 1895, Art. A, par. 23

The father’s remonstrance to his elder son was heaven’s tender appeal to the Pharisees, taking them for what they claimed to be. “All that is mine is thine,” (R.V.) not as a wage earned by your own efforts, but as a gift which you can receive only as the prodigal receives it, the free, unmerited bestowal of your Father’s love. Your self-righteousness not only leads you to misrepresent God by your false conceptions of him, but makes you cold-hearted and critical toward your brethren. You are constantly questioning, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? ... He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 85, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 14

The prophet of old asked, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 20, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 4

“Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:6-8.] When Satan comes in to tempt you to give up all hope, point him to these words.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 2, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 2, 1897, par. 23

“Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” [Micah 6:6-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 99, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 99, 1893, par. 13

The prophet Micah declares: “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ... Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?” [Micah 6:6-8, 10, 11.] Money acquired by doing wrong to your neighbor, whether believer or unbeliever, is registered in the books of heaven as unlawful gain. And those who think to make a compromise with God by bringing this means to His treasury are deceiving their own souls.

Testimonies on Fair Dealing and Book Royalties

Business Integrity

PH102 30.1

This scripture (Micah 6:6-12) is applicable to those who, unwilling that any besides themselves shall have a chance, have been devising and planning to make merchandise of their fellow-men.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 183—To the Men Who Occupy Responsible Positions in the Work

1888 1589.1

This Scripture Micah 6:6-12, is applicable to those who, unwilling that any besides themselves shall have a chance, have been devising and planning to make merchandise of their fellow-men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 110, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 110, 1893, par. 13

The end of all things is at hand and iniquity abounds, because men have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant given on condition of obedience, and because of continual transgression. Isaiah 59; Ezekiel 20:12, 18; Amos 5:11-20; Micah 6:6-15; Haggai 1:5, 6; Hosea 6:1-11; 8:12, 13; Joel 1:2-7, 11-20. There we have the prophecies of the state of our world just prior to the second coming of the Lord thy God. The world will become more and [more] under the sway of seducing spirits as they turn away from God and His righteous government. Men professing godliness will indulge their own traits of character. Unless they are conscientiously under the control of God, they will become self-indulgent and self-centered.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 35, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 54

The question is asked: Shall I give my firstborn for the sin of my soul? Is it burnt offerings and sacrifices that God requires? He says, “My soul is full of them.” [Micah 6:7; Isaiah 1:11.] It is not that. It is a contrite heart; it is that you walk humbly, and deal justly, and show mercy. This is your work. Take right hold of it now. Why wait any longer? Why not take God right at His Word? Say, “Here Lord, I give myself away, ’Tis all that I can do.” If Satan comes with his hellish temptations, tell him, No, there is no place in my soul for it; my soul is ravished with the love which is expressed upon Calvary; I cannot allow any of this wickedness to come into my soul; it crucified my Lord.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 49—Surrender and Confession

1SM 326.1

But in repenting of sin we need not go into a cell, as did Luther, imposing penances upon ourselves to expiate our iniquity, thinking by so doing to gain the favor of God. The question is asked: “Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:7, 8). The psalmist says, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). The only reason that we have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowledged to Him whom we have wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced by our sins, that we are at fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is nigh unto him that is of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 45, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 45, 1894, par. 1

“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” [Matthew 24:12, 13.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.]

9LtMs, Ms 45, 1894, par. 11

The following words were written not to meet the case of a few who are great sinners, but to meet the case of men who have been entrusted with special responsibilities—men who are not to be lords over God’s heritage, but to be ensamples to the flock. “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Verses 16, 17.] “For thus saith the High and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:7, 8.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene

Chapter 17—Cleanliness an Aid to Purity

CTBH 145.1

Parents should in a special sense regard themselves as agents of God to instruct their children, as did Abraham, to keep the way of the Lord. They need to search the Scriptures diligently, to know what is the way of the Lord, that they may teach it to their household. Micah says, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] In order to be teachers, parents must be learners, gathering light constantly from the oracles of God, and by precept and example bringing this precious light into the education of their children. Teach them that principle should govern their eating, their drinking, and their dressing. Teach them from their very babyhood that God’s law is the rule of the house, and that it must be obeyed in all the relations of life; that a disregard of moral law will exist wherever there is a willful disregard of physical law.

To Be Like Jesus

The Golden Rule to Govern Business Dealings, June 7

BLJ 170.1

What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8, NKJV.

Testimonies on Fair Dealing and Book Royalties

The Author

PH102 14.2

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God!” Micah 6:8.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca

1888 938.3

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.

Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

Earnest Labors in Meeting a Critical Situation

6BIO 280.2

Ellen White’s address to the session on Thursday morning was an appeal for humility of heart. She used as her opening text, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 37, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 37, 1885, par. 9

“What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] This spirit will be unlike the world in every respect. But do not seek to make crosses for the people of God; do not set yourselves up to adopt odd ways, coarse manners, and eccentricities, because you want to show your separation from the world. Said Christ, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” [Luke 16:8.] They seek to be attractive in their manners, so as to have an influence. There is no sin in cultivating courteous, kindly ways. This is the custom of heaven. But when you sacrifice principle, truthfulness, to put on a worldly politeness, you are conforming to the world instead of being transformed by the grace of Christ. Christ would have every one of His followers like Himself—pure, holy, kind, courteous, refined, and ennobled; and this is the only way we can live unrebukable, without spot and blameless in this crooked and perverse generation, among whom we are to shine as lights in the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 76

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 62, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, par. 18

God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord, which exerciseth loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 81

God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 53

Ponder also the teaching of this scripture: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] And let these words of the apostle Paul speak to you: “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” [Titus 2:13, 14.]

In Heavenly Places

The Measure of a Man’s Worth, August 18

HP 237.1

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 184, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 184, 1901, par. 17

We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years as did the children of Israel; but for Christ’s sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action. Now, have men who claim to believe the Word of God learned their lesson that obedience is better than sacrifice? “He hath shewed thee (this rebellious people), O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 52, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 52, 1903, par. 4

Religion is more than a mere theory. It is more than a passive acquiescence to truth. It is a living principle brought into the life, manifested in the daily occupation. True love in the home requires sacrifice, especially in the humble home. God values and commends hard, honest work. Let all remember that they belong to Christ, that they are brought with a price, and that God will be honored by their lives, as they faithfully perform their daily duties. Christ says to all, “Ye are My witnesses. Honor Me, and I will honor you. I will confess you before My Father, if you will confess Me by dealing justly and walking humbly with God.” [See Isaiah 43:10; 1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 10:32; Micah 6:8.] A man may not be eloquent; he may not put himself forward in religious services, yet if he does his best, the Lord will help him as he lays his foundation upon the Rock and strives to carry out correct principles. Such a man will not betray sacred trusts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 378, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 378, 1907, par. 16

In the minds of many there is a false idea regarding the duties of a conference president. By a faithful example, it is his privilege to be a help spiritually to all the churches. He is to counsel with his ministering brethren, and with all the other workers, encouraging them to come into such relation to God that He can direct them in their appointed work. The first qualification for the president of a conference is that he himself has learned to seek and to receive counsel from God. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 191, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 191, 1907, par. 30

“Thus saith the Lord.” Micah 6:8; 7:18. When we see our wrongs, and come to Him and confess them, He forgives us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 11, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 16

The Lord’s measure of correct character is given in the words of the prophet Micah: “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] There are men who may be represented as doing justly and loving mercy, but who have not the true principle within them, the faith that will lead them to walk humbly with the Lord. They may seem to have every specification needed but that of sanctified faith, but lacking this, they lack all. The life is not sanctified; and without this sanctification of motive and purpose, it is impossible to please God. God has given men and women affections and intellect that they may appreciate the character of God as it was revealed in the earthly life of Christ, and through faith in Christ reveal the same attributes. Christ is to be manifest in the life of every true believer. Each is to prove in his life his right to the claim he makes for citizenship in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

4—Conference Administrators

9MR 163.3

The first qualification for the president of a conference is that he himself has learned to seek and to receive counsel from God. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).—Letter 378, 1907, p. 4.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 816—Nearness and Delay of the Second Advent

10MR 277.3

We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel, but for Christ’s sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action. Now, have men who claim to believe the Word of God learned their lesson that obedience is better than sacrifice? “He hath showed thee (this rebellious people), O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1485—School to Start Small; Have Faith; Do Not Overwork

20MR 313.1

We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ’s sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action. Now, have men who claim to believe the Word of God learned their lesson that obedience is better than sacrifice? “He hath shewed thee (this rebellious people), O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8].

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 34—The Author

7T 180.1

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

To Teachers and Managers

6T 148.3

“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 6:8; 7:18. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well.” Isaiah 1:16, 17.

The Adventist Home

Chapter 28—The Child’s First School

AH 184.2

God’s Teaching Agents in the Home School—Parents should in a special sense regard themselves as agents of God to instruct their children, as did Abraham, to keep the way of the Lord. They need to search the Scriptures diligently, to know what is the way of the Lord, that they may teach it to their household. Micah says, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] In order to be teachers, parents must be learners, gathering light constantly from the oracles of God and by precept and example bringing this precious light into the education of their children.10Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 145.

The Upward Look

Seeing With Heavenly Insight, March 22

UL 95.1

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.

To Be Like Jesus

Our Business Standards Reveal Our Character, June 11

BLJ 174.1

Shall I count pure those with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? Micah 6:11, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 4, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 4, 1895, par. 28

The Lord sees all the dealings of brother with brother which weaken faith, and which destroy their confidence in themselves as men dealing as men dealing with justice and equity. In the most positive language He expresses His displeasure at the iniquity practiced in trade. He says, “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?” [Micah 6:11.] The very wrong here mentioned may not have been committed in our institutions, but acts which these things represent have been, and are still being done. Page after page might be written in regard to these things. Whole conferences are becoming leavened with the same perverted principles. “For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” [Verse 12.]