Which other scriptures reinforce the call to act justly and fear God? Ground Zero: Jehoshaphat’s Charge “And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God.” (2 Chronicles 19:7) Justice Anchored in God’s Character • Leviticus 19:15 — “You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” • Deuteronomy 10:17 — “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribe.” • Deuteronomy 32:4 — “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just.” Justice Applied in Israel’s Courts • Exodus 18:21 — “Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain.” • Deuteronomy 16:18-20 — “Appoint judges… They shall judge the people with righteous judgment… Pursue justice, and justice alone.” Prophetic Echoes Calling for Justice • Isaiah 1:17 — “Learn to do right; seek justice; correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless; plead the widow’s case.” • Amos 5:24 — “But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” • Micah 6:8 — “He has shown you, O man, what is good…to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” • Zechariah 7:9-10 — “Administer true justice; show loving devotion and compassion to one another.” Wisdom Literature: Fear of the LORD Breeds Justice • Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Proverbs 8:13 — “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” • Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 — “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” New-Testament Reinforcement • Matthew 23:23 — “You have neglected the weightier matters of the Law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” • Luke 18:1-8 — Jesus contrasts the unjust judge with God who secures justice for His elect. • Romans 13:3-4 — Rulers are “God’s servants” to bring wrath on the wrongdoer, underscoring impartial justice. • James 2:8-9 — “If you show favoritism, you sin.” Why Fear and Justice Go Together • The fear of the LORD reminds us that He sees every motive and action; that awareness curbs corruption and favoritism. • Because God Himself “shows no partiality” (Deuteronomy 10:17), those who fear Him must mirror His character in their dealings. • Reverence motivates obedience; obedience produces righteous judgments. Living It Out Today • Examine decisions—family, workplace, church—asking, “Is this impartial and without hidden gain?” • Resist favoritism: treat the influential and the overlooked with the same dignity. • Let Scripture recalibrate conscience; memorize key verses above to keep justice and holy fear front-and-center. |
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