Topical Encyclopedia Justice, a fundamental attribute of God's character, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It reflects God's righteousness and His desire for fairness and equity among His creation. The Scriptures provide numerous references to justice, emphasizing its importance in both divine and human contexts.Divine Justice God's justice is inherent in His nature, and He is portrayed as the ultimate judge who administers justice with perfect fairness. In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and righteousness of God's justice. Psalm 9:7-8 declares, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." Here, God's eternal reign and His commitment to just governance are highlighted. Human Justice The Bible calls for justice to be a guiding principle in human affairs. In Micah 6:8, the prophet outlines what God requires of His people: "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?" This verse emphasizes the importance of justice as a moral obligation for individuals. Proverbs 21:3 states, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This highlights that God values just actions over ritualistic offerings, indicating that justice is a priority in the eyes of God. Justice in Leadership Leaders are particularly called to uphold justice. In 2 Samuel 23:3, David speaks of the ideal ruler: "The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, 'He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God.'" This verse underscores the expectation that leaders govern with justice and reverence for God. Isaiah 1:17 instructs, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This passage calls for proactive justice, especially in defending the vulnerable and correcting wrongs. Justice and the Law The Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions to ensure justice among the Israelites. Leviticus 19:15 commands, "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 law emphasizes impartiality and fairness in judgment. Deuteronomy 16:20 exhorts, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." The pursuit of justice is linked to the well-being and prosperity of the community. Justice and the Prophets The prophets frequently called out injustices and urged a return to God's standards. Amos 5:24 famously declares, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." This vivid imagery calls for an abundant and continuous flow of justice and righteousness. Jeremiah 22:3 commands, "This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place." The prophet emphasizes the need for justice in protecting the oppressed and vulnerable. Justice in the New Testament The New Testament continues the theme of justice, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for the vulnerable: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This reflects the New Testament's emphasis on justice as an expression of true faith. In summary, justice is a pervasive and essential theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The Scriptures call for justice in personal behavior, leadership, and societal structures, emphasizing its importance in maintaining righteousness and equity. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 23:1-3,6-8You shall not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:13-15 Deuteronomy 16:18-20 Deuteronomy 25:1-4 Ezra 7:26 Psalm 72:1,2 Psalm 82:2-4 Proverbs 17:15,26 Proverbs 18:5,17 Proverbs 20:8 Proverbs 22:27 Proverbs 24:23 Proverbs 28:21 Proverbs 29:26 Ecclesiastes 3:16,17 Ecclesiastes 5:8 Ecclesiastes 7:7 Isaiah 1:17 Isaiah 56:1 Isaiah 59:14,15 Jeremiah 22:1-4 Lamentations 3:35,36 Amos 5:7,11,12 Micah 7:3 Habakkuk 1:4 Zechariah 8:16 Matthew 5:23 Matthew 12:7 John 7:24,51 1 Corinthians 13:6 Library Concerning the Scriptures. Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the ... Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. On Angels in General and in Particular Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall. Snares of Satan. Snares of Satan The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... My Own Sentiments on Predestination. General Index. Resources What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a God of justice? | GotQuestions.org Justice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justice: Brings Its own Reward Justice: Christ, an Example of Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Justice: God: Displeased With the Want of Justice: God: Gives Wisdom to Execute Justice: God: Sets the Highest Value On Justice: Saints should Always Do Justice: Saints should Pray for Wisdom to Execute Justice: Saints should Receive Instruction In Justice: Saints should Study the Principles of Justice: Saints should Take Pleasure in Doing Justice: Saints should Teach Others to Do Justice: Specially Required in Rulers Justice: The Wicked: Afflict Those Who Act With Justice: The Wicked: Call not For Justice: The Wicked: Pass Over Justice: To be Done in Buying and Selling Justice: To be Done in Executing Judgment Justice: To be Done: To Servants Justice: To be Done: To the Fatherless and Widows Justice: To be Done: To the Poor The Justice of God is a Part of his Character The Justice of God: Acknowledge The Justice of God: Declared to be without Respect of Persons The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Impartial The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incomparable The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Incorruptible The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Plenteous The Justice of God: Declared to Be: The Habitation of his Throne The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Undeviating The Justice of God: Declared to Be: Unfailing The Justice of God: Denied by the Ungodly The Justice of God: Exhibited in all his Ways The Justice of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Government The Justice of God: Exhibited in His Judgments The Justice of God: Exhibited in Redemption The Justice of God: Exhibited in The Final Judgment The Justice of God: Not to be Sinned Against Related Terms |
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