Topical Bible: The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical mandate to treat the poor with fairness and justice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The Bible emphasizes the importance of impartiality and righteousness in judgment, particularly concerning those who are economically disadvantaged. This entry explores the biblical perspective on ensuring justice for the poor, drawing from various passages and teachings.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the fair treatment of the poor in judicial matters. In the Mosaic Law, God commands His people to uphold justice without partiality. Exodus 23:6-7 states, "You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. Stay far from a false accusation, and do not kill the innocent and the just, for I will not acquit the guilty." This passage underscores the necessity of integrity in legal proceedings, ensuring that the poor receive the same justice as the wealthy.

Leviticus 19:15 further reinforces this principle: "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." Here, the emphasis is on impartiality, highlighting that neither poverty nor wealth should influence the administration of justice.

Prophetic Calls for Justice

The prophets of Israel frequently called out the injustices faced by the poor, urging the nation to return to God's standards of righteousness. Isaiah 10:1-2 warns, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless." The prophet condemns those who exploit legal systems to the detriment of the vulnerable, emphasizing God's concern for equitable treatment.

Similarly, Amos 5:11-12 highlights the exploitation of the poor: "Therefore, because you impose heavy rent on the poor and exact a tax on their grain, though you have built houses of cut stone, you will not live in them; though you have planted pleasant vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great, you who distress the righteous and accept bribes and turn away the poor in the gate." Amos calls for repentance and justice, condemning those who manipulate the system for personal gain at the expense of the poor.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues the theme of justice for the poor, with Jesus and the apostles advocating for fair treatment. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches the importance of righteousness and mercy, which extends to how one treats the poor. Matthew 5:7 states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." This beatitude encourages believers to embody mercy and justice in all interactions, including legal matters.

James, the brother of Jesus, addresses the issue of partiality in the church, which can extend to judicial contexts. James 2:1-4 admonishes, "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 warns against favoritism and calls for equal treatment of all individuals, regardless of their economic status.

Conclusion

The biblical call to "wrong not in judgment" concerning the poor is a profound reminder of God's heart for justice and equity. Throughout Scripture, believers are urged to uphold fairness, resist partiality, and ensure that the rights of the poor are protected. This divine mandate challenges individuals and communities to reflect God's justice in their dealings with all people, particularly the economically disadvantaged.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 23:6
You shall not wrest the judgment of your poor in his cause.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked
... for the other's malice than for his own wrong; when he ... Then the little poor cottage
shall be more commended than ... God with all his heart feareth not death, nor ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxiv of the judgment.htm

Rash Decisions.
... is rewarded with half the property of poor Mephibosheth,"why ... has been misled, and
doing a great wrong rather than ... When our Lord bids us not judge, He bids us ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xli rash decisions.htm

It Shall not be Forgiven.
... the noblest part of our nature rejects as low and poor, or selfish and wrong, that
surely ... for it is a sin against the truth itself, not the embodiment ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/it shall not be forgiven.htm

The Scales of Judgment
... the law"the declaration is suspended over thy poor foolish head. ... know the balance
is all on the wrong side ... are losing, breaking up, and they would not wish to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the scales of judgment.htm

Psalm LXXII.
... judge Thy people in justice, and Thy poor in judgment ... For it is usual to say "wrong
judgment" of that which ... but justice iniquitous or unjust we are not wont to ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxii.htm

"Boast not Thyself of To-Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day ...
... Now they are set on wrong objects, they run at random ... of rule, and so they hurry
the poor man and ... of the essential ingredients"either it is not suitable to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi boast not thyself.htm

"And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
... should obtrude upon a poor soul a wrong sentence in ... register of heaven, whereby to
deceive the poor soul, and ... there is no hazard above, he dare not appear there ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv and if any.htm

I Will Take one Case that Will Serve Both as Symbol and Example...
... But whatever the poor streets are they are not gray ... In short, there is nothing wrong
with Reckitt's Blue except ... a small luxury; a thing in its nature not to be ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 35 i will take.htm

Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor.
... course of the world; namely, men do not like to ... or friendship; and in consequence
a poor man and his cause must be oppressed, denounced as wrong, and suffer ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not bear false.htm

Paul and Felix
... Poor Felix, brought up a heathen slave in that profligate ... the foundation of the
Christian religion is not forms and ... the heads of those who do wrong, and always ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xii paul and felix.htm