Psalms 112:4

4. Light in the darkness A figurative expression for health, and happiness in adversity. See Psalms 112:7, and compare Isaiah 60:2; Psalms 97:11; Romans 8:28.

Gracious, and full of compassion The terms are reproduced from Psalms 112:4 of the previous psalm, where they apply to God. Thus godliness is the reflected image of God. In the Hebrew of Exodus 34:6, exactly the same words are rendered “gracious and merciful,” where they are descriptive of the character of God. Compassion to the poor and needy, the sinful and unworthy, prompting to a charitable service and distribution of benefits, is honourable to God and his religion.

James 1:27. The idea is more fully brought out in the first line of the next verse.