Proverbs 12:10 (NKJV) — 10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

The treatment of animals reveals character. A righteous person will regard life wherever it is found, for all life is from God, including the life of animals. This does not mean righteous people will not hunt for food; God created animals and gave them to humanity for food. (See Genesis 9:2-4.) But righteous people treat animals (whether working animals or pets) with respect and dignity. They will see that the animals are fed and properly protected and cared for.

While the righteous person is kind even to animals, the wicked person finds it difficult to be tender and kind in any situation. Even in their attempted expressions of tenderness and mercy they will be cruel.

[archive]