Topical Bible: Truth: Magistrates should be Men of

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In the biblical context, truth is a fundamental attribute that is expected of all individuals, especially those in positions of authority and judgment, such as magistrates. The Bible emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in leadership, underscoring that those who judge and govern must do so with honesty and righteousness.

Biblical Foundation

The call for truthfulness in magistrates is rooted in the character of God Himself, who is described as a God of truth. In Deuteronomy 32:4 , it is written, "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 establishes the divine standard for truth and justice, which human leaders are expected to emulate.

Qualifications for Leadership

The Bible provides specific guidance on the qualifications for leaders, particularly those who serve as judges or magistrates. In Exodus 18:21 , Moses receives advice from his father-in-law Jethro on selecting leaders: "Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens." This passage highlights the necessity for leaders to be trustworthy and to possess a deep-seated aversion to corruption and falsehood.

The Role of Truth in Justice

Truth is integral to the administration of justice. Proverbs 12:17 states, "He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit." This proverb underscores the role of truth in ensuring that justice is served. Magistrates, as arbiters of justice, must be committed to truth to make fair and righteous judgments.

Warnings Against Deceit

The Bible also warns against the dangers of deceit and falsehood in leadership. Isaiah 59:14-15 laments the absence of truth in society: "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the street, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey." This passage illustrates the chaos and injustice that ensue when truth is absent from leadership and governance.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, as the ultimate example of truth, declared in John 14:6 , "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Christ's life and teachings exemplify the perfect standard of truth that all leaders, including magistrates, should strive to follow.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a specific conclusion on the topic, it is clear that truth is a non-negotiable quality for those in positions of authority. Magistrates, as stewards of justice, are called to reflect the truthfulness and righteousness of God in their duties, ensuring that their judgments are fair and just.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

St. Justin Martyr (Ad 166)
... old man, ordered that governors and magistrates should not give way ... outcries, and
that the Christians should no longer ... as they had no certain truth from heaven ...
/.../chapter iii st justin martyr.htm

Men Desire to Observe the Rules of Learning, but Neglect the ...
... from nuts, and balls, and sparrows, to magistrates and kings ... even hadst Thou willed
that I should not survive ... insignificant, I learnt to take pleasure in truth. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xviii men desire to observe.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... xiv. He that is accustomed to speak truth in private, will in his common speech
be a faithful ... Ver.8. Magistrates should scatter away evil men with their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Letter cclxxxix. Without Address. Concerning an Afflicted Woman.
... find a delight"such is the pleasure men naturally feel ... shew no sympathy; others believe
the truth of these ... by the Apostle, that the magistrates should be a ...
/.../basil letters and select works/letter cclxxxix without address concerning.htm

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
... his power and divine character, and of the truth of his ... the miracles of Jesus, of
any kind, should be generally perform'd on magistrates and wealthy ...
/.../section iii answer to mr.htm

part iv.
... city were roughly handled, lest they should accuse them ... dragged along to trial, and
the magistrates witnessed the ... he will be able to alter the truth, as easily ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part iv.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ...
... Dt.16:18) that "judges and magistrates" should be appointed in ... number, in token of
the unerring truth of the ... of the sin; and lest men should be horrified at ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were 3.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... in Christ, we are of all men most miserable ... and hold himself responsible for the
truth of an ... issued a rescript requiring that the magistrates should in future ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
... day, like that of our local magistrates; but this ... world in righteousness, and the
people with his truth. ... judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/coming judgment of the secrets.htm

Human Government.
... It is a first truth, that whatever is essential to ... the right and the duty of magistrates
to inflict them, whenever the needful occasion should call for ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm