As it pertains to Old Testament understanding of grace:

1. Strongs #2580 it means "favor". It's root is Strongs #2603. This word means to stoop or to bend in kindness to an inferior. It could be that the person did something to curry the favor. But then we are told to compare this root word with Strongs #2603. This means to incline. Scripture declares that there is no good thing in us (Romans 7:18 among a myriad of other scriptures). Therefore for our consideration, I would suggest that the inclination of God being gracious has everything to do with His character and what is in Him.