In what ways can we "deny justice to the righteous" unintentionally? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.” (Proverbs 18:5) How We Unintentionally Deny Justice • Favoring the familiar – preferring friends, family, or those who resemble us, and overlooking those without connections (cf. James 2:1-4). • Remaining silent – seeing wrongful treatment yet avoiding involvement to protect comfort or reputation (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Rushing to judgment – accepting first reports, headlines, or gossip without verifying facts (Exodus 23:1). • Ignoring the poor – allowing fees, procedures, or distance to keep the needy from fair hearing (Exodus 23:6). • Letting influence sway us – being impressed by wealth, charisma, or status, tilting decisions their way (Leviticus 19:15). • Accepting subtle “perks” – gifts, favors, or incentives that cloud clear thinking even when no outright bribe is offered (Exodus 23:8). • Prioritizing efficiency over equity – choosing the quickest solution that “works” for most, though it leaves the righteous unheard. • Passing along biased policies – enforcing rules that seem neutral but consistently disadvantage the upright (Isaiah 10:1-2). • Withholding needed testimony – failing to speak facts that could clear another because doing so is inconvenient (Proverbs 14:25). Everyday Scenes – A hiring panel overlooks a qualified believer because a résumé from a well-connected applicant arrived late. – A church member knows a coworker is being falsely blamed but “stays out of it.” – A social-media post smears a godly leader; likes and shares spread the slander before truth emerges. – Budget cuts remove free legal aid, leaving the honest poor without counsel. – An organization waives penalties for a major donor yet enforces them strictly on others. Scripture’s Consistent Call • “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality… for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19) • “Do not deny justice to your poor in their lawsuits.” (Exodus 23:6) • “Learn to do right; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17) • “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Practical Steps Toward Faithful Justice 1. Slow down—verify facts before concluding. 2. Listen intentionally to those with less power. 3. Refuse perks that could cloud objectivity. 4. Speak up when silence would harm truth. 5. Review policies for hidden partiality; revise where needed. 6. Pray for discernment, then act—even small interventions uphold righteousness. Living It Out Denying justice often happens quietly, not maliciously. By guarding our hearts, valuing truth over convenience, and stepping in where righteousness is threatened, we honor the Lord who “loves justice” (Psalm 37:28) and reflect His character to a watching world. |
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