Fairness
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Fairness, as a concept, is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, righteousness, and impartiality. It is the quality of making judgments that are free from discrimination, favoritism, or bias, and is closely associated with the character of God as revealed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents God as the ultimate standard of fairness. In Deuteronomy 32:4, it is declared, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and justice inherent in God's nature, serving as a model for human conduct.

Fairness in Human Relationships

The call for fairness is evident in the biblical exhortations to treat others with equity and justice. Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "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." This command highlights the importance of impartiality in judgment, ensuring that all individuals are treated with equal respect and dignity.

Proverbs 21:3 further emphasizes the value of fairness, stating, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This verse suggests that God prioritizes ethical behavior and fairness over ritualistic practices, indicating the weightiness of just actions in His eyes.

Fairness in Leadership and Governance

The Bible also addresses fairness in the context of leadership and governance. Leaders are called to exercise their authority with justice and equity. In 2 Samuel 23:3, David reflects on the ideal ruler: "The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, 'He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'" This passage highlights the expectation that leaders should govern with fairness, guided by a reverence for God.

Fairness in Economic Practices

Economic fairness is another significant theme in the Scriptures. The Bible condemns dishonest practices and exploitation. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This proverb underscores the importance of honesty and fairness in business dealings, reflecting God's desire for integrity in economic transactions.

Fairness and Mercy

While fairness involves justice and impartiality, it is also balanced by mercy. James 2:13 reminds believers, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This verse suggests that fairness, in the biblical sense, is not devoid of compassion and mercy, reflecting the character of God who is both just and merciful.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ exemplifies fairness in His earthly ministry. He treated all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status or background. In John 7:24, Jesus instructs, "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly." His life and teachings consistently demonstrated fairness, challenging societal norms and advocating for the marginalized and oppressed.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of fairness is multifaceted, encompassing justice, impartiality, and mercy. It is a reflection of God's character and a standard for human conduct, calling believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) The state of being fair, or free form spots or stains, as of the skin; honesty, as of dealing; candor, as of an argument, etc.
Greek
1932. epieikeia -- fairness, gentleness
... fairness, gentleness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: epieikeia
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-i'-ki-ah) Short Definition: considerateness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1932.htm - 7k

2471. isotes -- equality
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: isotes Phonetic Spelling: (ee-sot'-ace)
Short Definition: equality Definition: equality; equality of treatment, fairness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2471.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
8236. Shiphrah -- "fairness," a Hebrew midwife
... 8235, 8236. Shiphrah. 8237 . "fairness," a Hebrew midwife. Transliteration:
Shiphrah Phonetic Spelling: (shif-raw') Short Definition: Shiphrah. ...
/hebrew/8236.htm - 6k

8235. shiphrah -- fairness, clearness (of sky)
... 8234, 8235. shiphrah. 8236 . fairness, clearness (of sky). Transliteration:
shiphrah Phonetic Spelling: (shif-raw') Short Definition: cleared. ...
/hebrew/8235.htm - 6k

4334. mishor -- a level place, uprightness
... Word Origin from yashar Definition a level place, uprightness NASB Word Usage fairness
(1), level (2), level place (1), plain (12), plains (1), plateau (2 ...
/hebrew/4334.htm - 6k

Library

Of Fairness of Mind: Vanity of the World: Love of God: and Union ...
... BOOK I CHAPTER XIX OF FAIRNESS OF MIND: VANITY OF THE WORLD: LOVE OF GOD: AND UNION
WITH OUR NEIGHBOUR: AND WHETHER PERFECT LOVE CAN BE LOST AND GOTTEN IN THIS ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xix of fairness of.htm

How Perfect Love is Gotten by Cleanness and Love: and of Imperfect ...
... BOOK I CHAPTER XVII HOW PERFECT LOVE IS GOTTEN BY CLEANNESS AND LOVE: AND OF IMPERFECT
LOVE AND FAIRNESS, AND OF THREE MIGHTS OF GOD'S LOVE: AND OF THE RICH ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xvii how perfect love.htm

Of Divers Friendships of Good and Ill, and if they Can be Loosed ...
... same as that that is loved slakes, and is slakened when the things that stirred
the love are not had; so that if by manners or riches or fairness friendship be ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter ix of divers friendships.htm

That God's Love is to be Mingled with Ilk Time and Deed nor Fails ...
... Thou shalt also overcome the likings of fairness; showing that thou wilt not
be defiled once on account of all things that can be thought. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter x that gods love.htm

You Observe How He Treats Ambrose. First, He Calls Him a Crow and ...
... of the heretics. Is this the fairness of a Christian? Is it thus ... of the
heretics. Is this the fairness of a Christian? Is it thus ...
/.../25 you observe how he.htm

First Part of the Book.
... Thus it befalls man: in his childhood he springs and grows as the grass does; after,
he comes to manhood and flowers in fairness and strength and wit and ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/first part of the book.htm

The Gratuity of Actual Grace
... Owing to the lack of intrinsic proportion between service and reward, congruous
merit can claim a remuneration only on grounds of fairness. ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 the gratuity of.htm

Of the Despising of the World
... He will despise youth and will keep his strength for God; riches he counts for nought;
he will take heed that this fairness is vain, and grace deceitful. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ii of the despising.htm

The Fire of Love
... CHAPTER XVII HOW PERFECT LOVE IS GOTTEN BY CLEANNESS AND LOVE: AND OF IMPERFECT
LOVE AND FAIRNESS, AND OF THREE MIGHTS OF GOD'S LOVE: AND OF THE RICH AND POOR ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/

That a True Lover Only Loves his Beloved: and of Double Ravishings ...
... OF THE WORTHINESS THEREOF. The heat of a longing spirit shows in himself
a pure love for the fairness of God. For he seeks nothing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vii that a true.htm

Thesaurus
Fairness (3 Occurrences)
... dealing; candor, as of an argument, etc. Multi-Version Concordance Fairness
(3 Occurrences). Colossians 4:1 Masters, give to your ...
/f/fairness.htm - 7k

Equity (19 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Equality of rights; impartiality; fairness in determination of conflicting
claims; natural justice or right; the giving, or desiring to give, to each ...
/e/equity.htm - 13k

Fairs (6 Occurrences)

/f/fairs.htm - 9k

Fairly (8 Occurrences)

/f/fairly.htm - 8k

Unfair (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To deprive of fairness or beauty. 2. (a.)
Not fair; not honest; not impartial; disingenuous; using ...
/u/unfair.htm - 6k

Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
... It is of great interest, however, not only because of the fairness of the argument
used (Judges 11:12-28), but also by virtue of the fact that it contains a ...
/j/jephthah.htm - 20k

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)
... so also Psalm 18:35, where the word is `anwah "humility," "gentleness," or
"condescension." In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Acts ...
/g/gentleness.htm - 13k

Garnish (1 Occurrence)
... In Job 26:13, shiphrah is a feminine noun meaning "fairness," "beauty," "brilliancy."
"By his Spirit the heavens are garnished," ie the clouds are driven off ...
/g/garnish.htm - 9k

Fair (147 Occurrences)
... 11. (adv.) Clearly; openly; frankly; civilly; honestly; favorably; auspiciously;
agreeably. 12. (n.) Fairness, beauty. 13. (n.) A fair woman; a sweetheart. 14. ...
/f/fair.htm - 40k

Resources
Is God fair? | GotQuestions.org

Why is life not fair? | GotQuestions.org

Is The Divine Comedy / Dante's Inferno a biblically accurate description of Heaven and Hell? | GotQuestions.org

Fairness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Fairness (3 Occurrences)

Colossians 4:1
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
(See NAS)

Proverbs 29:14
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 11:4
But he will do right in the cause of the poor, and give wise decisions for those in the land who are in need; and the rod of his mouth will come down on the cruel, and with the breath of his lips he will put an end to the evil-doer.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Fairness

Related Terms

Occupied (32 Occurrences)

Buying (12 Occurrences)

Occupiers (1 Occurrence)

Fairness (3 Occurrences)

Togarmah (4 Occurrences)

Calkers (2 Occurrences)

Agate (4 Occurrences)

Arabia (9 Occurrences)

Merchants (34 Occurrences)

Market (24 Occurrences)

Fro (54 Occurrences)

Military (44 Occurrences)

Faith (769 Occurrences)

Horsemen (63 Occurrences)

Fairly
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