The �Golden Rule� is the name given to a principle Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount. The actual words �Golden Rule� are not found in Scripture, just as the words �Sermon on the Mount� are also not found. These titles were later added by Bible translation teams in order to make Bible study a little easier. The phrase �Golden Rule� began to be ascribed to this Jesus� teaching during the 16th�17th centuries.
What we call the Golden Rule refers to Matthew 7:12: �So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.� Jesus knew the human heart and its selfishness. In fact, in the preceding verse, He describes human beings as innately �evil� (verse 11). Jesus� Golden Rule gives us a standard by which naturally selfish people can gauge their actions: actively treat others the way they themselves like to be treated.
The English Standard Version translates the Golden Rule like this: �Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.� Jesus brilliantly condenses the entire Old Testament into this single principle, taken from Leviticus 19:18: �Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.� Again, we see the implication that people are naturally lovers of self, and the command uses that human flaw as a place to start in how to treat others.
People universally demand respect, love, and appreciation, whether they deserve it or not. Jesus understood this desire and used it to promote godly behavior. Do you want to be shown respect? Then respect others. Do you crave a kind word? Then speak words of kindness to others. �It is more blessed to give than to receive� (Acts 20:35). The Golden Rule is also part of the second greatest commandment, preceded only by the command to love God Himself (Matthew 22:37�39).
