Topical Encyclopedia Injustice, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the violation of God's standards of righteousness and fairness. The Bible consistently condemns acts of injustice, emphasizing God's desire for His people to live in accordance with His just and holy nature.Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament lays a strong foundation against injustice, highlighting God's character as just and righteous. In Deuteronomy 16:19-20 , the Israelites are commanded, "Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." This passage underscores the importance of impartiality and integrity in judicial matters. The prophets frequently spoke against societal injustices. In Isaiah 1:17 , the call is clear: "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, the emphasis is on active engagement in rectifying wrongs and protecting the vulnerable. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues the theme of justice, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching the principles of fairness and righteousness. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "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." This highlights the priority of justice in the life of a believer. The apostle Paul also addresses injustice in his epistles. In Romans 12:17-19 , he instructs, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. God's Justice and Human Responsibility The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who will bring about perfect 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." This assurance of divine justice provides a foundation for human responsibility to act justly. Believers are called to reflect God's justice in their own lives. Micah 6:8 succinctly summarizes 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?" This verse encapsulates the biblical mandate to pursue justice as an integral part of one's walk with God. Conclusion The biblical prohibition against injustice is clear and unequivocal. From the laws given to Israel to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the call to justice is a central theme that reflects God's character and His expectations for His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 19:15,35You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: you shall not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 16:19 Library Whether the Prohibitive Precepts Relating to the vices Opposed to ... What are the Sins Forbidden in the Eighth Commandment? Whether Respect of Persons is a Sin? Jesus Before Caiaphas Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight? The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ... Book 2 Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent? 1 Timothy iv. 3-Jan Of the Reason for Fasting and Its Value. Resources What is black liberation theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.org Was it unfair for God to allow Job to suffer over what was basically an argument between God and Satan? | GotQuestions.org Injustice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Injustice of the Least Kind, Condemned Injustice: A Bad Example Leads To Injustice: Covetousness Leads To Injustice: General Scriptures Concerning Injustice: God: Approves not of Injustice: God: Hears the Cry of Those Who Suffer Injustice: God: Provoked to Avenge Injustice: Intemperance Leads To Injustice: Saints should Bear, Patiently Injustice: Saints should Take No Vengeance For Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: Servants Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Poor Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Stranger and Fatherless Injustice: The Wicked: Deal With Injustice: The Wicked: Judge With Injustice: The Wicked: Practise, Without Shame Related Terms |