Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, justice is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a crucial aspect of human relationships. The concept of justice is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing fairness, righteousness, and impartiality. However, the Bible also warns against the corruption of justice through the acceptance of gifts or bribes, which can impede the fair administration of justice.The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding the administration of justice and the dangers of accepting gifts that can pervert judgment. In Deuteronomy 16:19 , 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." This verse highlights the corrupting influence of bribes, which can blind even the wise and distort the truth, leading to injustice. The book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of gifts and their impact on justice. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This proverb underscores the moral depravity associated with accepting bribes, as it leads to the subversion of justice, undermining the integrity of legal proceedings and societal order. The prophet Isaiah further condemns the practice of accepting gifts that impede justice. In Isaiah 1:23 , he laments, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless, and the widow’s case never comes before them." Here, Isaiah criticizes the leaders of Israel for their corruption and failure to uphold justice, particularly for the vulnerable members of society, such as orphans and widows. The New Testament continues to uphold the principle of justice and warns against partiality. James 2:1-4 admonishes believers, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" This passage highlights the danger of favoritism, which can be likened to the acceptance of gifts, as it leads to unjust treatment based on external appearances rather than righteousness. Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that justice must be administered without partiality or corruption. The acceptance of gifts or bribes is repeatedly condemned as it impedes the fair and righteous execution of justice. The biblical call is for leaders and individuals alike to uphold justice, defend the rights of the vulnerable, and maintain integrity in all dealings, reflecting the character of God who is just and righteous. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 23:8And you shall take no gift: for the gift blinds the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Gratuity of Actual Grace Of the Sacraments. The God of Peace Question Lxxxiii of Prayer The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... Book I. Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ... Sozomen as Author. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Resources What does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about injustice? | 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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