The term "equitably" refers to the quality of being fair and impartial, a principle deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The concept of equity is closely related to justice and righteousness, which are central themes throughout the Scriptures. In the Bible, acting equitably is often associated with God's character and His expectations for human conduct.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "mishpat" is often translated as "justice" or "judgment," and it encompasses the idea of making decisions that are fair and right. Proverbs 2:9 states, "Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path." This verse highlights the pursuit of equity as part of a life guided by wisdom and understanding.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is often used to describe what is just or righteous. The teachings of Jesus Christ further illuminate the importance of equitable treatment. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to treat others as they would like to be treated, known as the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12): "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets."

God's Character

God is depicted as the ultimate judge who acts with perfect equity. Psalm 99:4 declares, "The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob." This verse underscores God's commitment to fairness and His role as a model for human behavior.

Human Conduct

Believers are called to emulate God's equitable nature in their interactions with others. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this calling: "He has shown 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?" Acting justly involves making decisions that are fair and impartial, reflecting God's own justice.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of equity in his epistles. In Colossians 4:1 , he instructs masters to treat their slaves with fairness: "Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven." This directive emphasizes the importance of equitable treatment in all relationships, recognizing the ultimate authority of God.

Social Implications

The biblical call to act equitably extends to societal structures and systems. The prophets often spoke against social injustices and called for reforms that would ensure fairness for all, particularly the marginalized and oppressed. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

In summary, the biblical concept of acting equitably is a reflection of God's own nature and a mandate for His followers. It encompasses fairness, justice, and righteousness, guiding believers in their personal conduct and societal responsibilities.(adv.) In an equitable manner; justly; as, the laws should be equitably administered.1346. dikaios -- righteously, justly
... justly, righteously. Adverb from dikaios; equitably -- justly, (to) righteously(-
ness). see GREEK dikaios. (dikaios) -- 5 Occurrences. 1345, 1346. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1346.htm - 6k

The Next Performance is Mainly Directed against Faith in the ...
... reflection, can believe in any such thing. Doubtless they will be equitably
dealt with." (p.153.). These last seven words, (which scarcely ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/iv the next performance is.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... to these peoples, when they could never have had it, no one, upon reflection, can
believe in any such thing"doubtless they will be equitably dealt with. ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

Religious Dangers
... if we are to be just to God, and just to our great nation, that there is not only
more wealth in London, but that that wealth is more equitably and generally ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon x religious dangers.htm

The Prayer of Jabez
... The honor he enjoyed would not have been worth having if it had not been vigorously
contested and equitably won. His devotion was the key to his promotion. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the prayer of jabez.htm

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... matter is thus, dearest brother, that the audacity of the most wicked men is to
be dreaded, and that what evil men cannot do rightly and equitably, they may ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... them; and somebody, compassionating those who had been made slaves, should overcome
this same hostile force; he certainly would not act equitably, were he to ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

Miracle Performed by Silvanus Bishop of Troas Formerly of ...
... he summoned to him some pious layman in whose integrity he had confidence; and
committing to him the adjudication of the case, he soon equitably settled all ...
/.../chapter xxxvii miracle performed by silvanus.htm

The Emperor Indignant at the Murder of George, Rebukes the ...
... For had you thus acted, neither murder, nor any other unlawful deed would have been
committed; but justice being equitably dispensed, would have preserved you ...
/.../chapter iii the emperor indignant at.htm

Epistle cxvi. To Theoderic and Theodebert, Kings of the Franks.
... the truth, you would order what has been unlawfully done to be corrected, and the
property that has been wrongfully taken from him to be equitably restored to ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cxvi to theoderic and.htm

Epistle xviii. To Natalis, Bishop of Salona .
... place, send to us with speed a person instructed in the case, who may be able to
shew to me by his allegations how the matter should be equitably proceeded with ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xviii to natalis bishop.htm

Equitably (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In an equitable manner; justly; as, the laws
should be equitably administered. ...Equitably (2 Occurrences). ...
/e/equitably.htm - 7k

Equity (19 Occurrences)

/e/equity.htm - 13k

Justly (22 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Colossians 4:1 Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves,
knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. (WEY RSV). ...
/j/justly.htm - 12k

Equitable (2 Occurrences)

/e/equitable.htm - 7k

Deal (170 Occurrences)
... have. (YLT). Colossians 4:1 Masters, deal justly and equitably with your
slaves, knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. (WEY). ...
/d/deal.htm - 40k

Slaves (119 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Colossians 4:1 Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves,
knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. (WEY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/slaves.htm - 34k

Justice (212 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Colossians 4:1 Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves,
knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven. (See NAS). ...
/j/justice.htm - 46k

Guide (89 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 67:4 Let the nations rejoice and sing for joy: for thou wilt judge
the peoples equitably; and the nations upon earth, thou wilt guide them. Selah. ...
/g/guide.htm - 37k

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