Inseparable

Inseparable. 

Incapable of being separated, parted, or disjoined: inseparable companions.

Psalms 85:10 - Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 

An inmate at a California prison recently told me they had been asking people within the prison (correctional officers included) a question: if they had to choose peace or righteousness, which would they choose?

They relayed that the majority, if not all of them replied "peace." This inmate has repented and been baptized in Jesus' Name while in prison and is currently seeking the Holy Ghost -- and has a lot of time to study and think. "I don't understand why they would choose peace over righteousness," they said. They went on to explain that if you have righteousness, the end of that is peace. Righteousness brings peace, ultimately. I agree, and it got me thinking and looking at some Bible verses. It seems to me that righteousness and peace are pretty much inseparable. 

Isaiah 32:17 - And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

James 3:18 - And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Psalm 72:3 - The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

Living right truly brings peace. You may have troubles and trials, but if you are living uprightly - that is, in right standing with God, you can have peace in the midst of the storm. Knowing that you are right with the one who holds your very life in His hands brings peace like nothing else can. Peace and righteousness simply go together hand in hand. 

Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

This also made me think of another pair in the Word of God: mercy and truth. Mercy and truth are pretty much inseparable in the Scripture! If there was no truth, why would there be a need for mercy? And if there was no mercy, I don't see how truth could prevail. Mercy and truth are mentioned together in Genesis, the first book in the Bible. (See Genesis 24:27)

Psalm 25:10 - All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 57:10 - For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

Psalm 61:7 - He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

Proverbs 20:28 - Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

Righteousness and peace, and mercy and truth -- two amazing, inseparable pairs.