And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.
—Mark 10:17-18, KJV

Only God is completely good in His nature and actions. His goodness includes all the positive moral attributes, such as grace, patience, and kindness.

Illustration: When the rich young ruler called Jesus “Good Master,” Jesus reminded him that only God could be properly referred to as “good.” The good that exists in the world around us truly reflects or expresses the goodness of God (compare Genesis 1:10). There is no other source of true “good.” When God revealed His name to Moses, He described Himself as being “abundant in goodness” (Exodus 34:6).

Application: The goodness of God is illustrated daily in our lives by the many good things that add comfort and enjoyment (James 1:17). Christians should be careful not to take these gifts for granted. (First Reference, Genesis 1:10; Primary Reference, Mark 10:18; compare Ephesians 2:8.)

Drawn from a Doctrinal footnote in the KJV Study Bible.

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