The Attributes of God: Goodness

These two run in parallel, and seeing that makes both clearer.
Just as the righteousness of God means that God is the ultimate standard for what is right, so the goodness of God means that he is the final standard for what is good. His nature, his being and his actions are what the word good is actually describing. We do not measure God against goodness. Goodness is measured against him.
Jesus makes the point sharply when a man calls him good teacher. Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. He is not denying he is good. He is pointing out where the word comes from.
There is one more distinction worth keeping, because it sets up the next two posters. Goodness involves not seeking one's own welfare. It looks outward. That is the family it belongs to - and grace and mercy are the next two members of it.
Scripture links:
- Psalm 100:5 - for the LORD is good.
- Mark 10:18 - no one is good except God alone.
- James 1:17 - every good gift is from above.
The word good is a description of him before it is a rule for us.