Topical Encyclopedia The concept of unfairness is addressed throughout the Bible, often in the context of justice, righteousness, and the treatment of others. The Bible consistently calls for fairness and equity, reflecting God's just nature and His expectations for human conduct.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often associated with unfairness is "avel," which can mean injustice or unrighteousness. The Law given to Israel through Moses emphasizes fairness in various aspects of life, including legal proceedings, commerce, and interpersonal relationships. Leviticus 19:15 instructs, "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 command underscores the importance of impartiality and fairness in judgment. The prophets frequently condemned the unfair practices of Israel and Judah, calling the people back to God's standards. For example, in Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "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 highlights the expectation of justice, which stands in opposition to unfairness. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "adikia" is often used to describe unrighteousness or injustice. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasized fairness and equity, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:12 , He states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." This "Golden Rule" encapsulates the principle of treating others fairly and justly. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of fairness in his epistles. In Colossians 4:1 , he instructs, "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." Here, Paul calls for fairness in the treatment of others, recognizing the ultimate authority and justice of God. God's Justice and Human Responsibility The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who embodies perfect justice. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." God's nature as just and fair serves as the standard for human behavior. Believers are called to reflect God's justice in their own lives. James 2:1-4 warns against favoritism, which is a form of unfairness: "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?" Practical Implications The biblical call to fairness extends to all areas of life, including business, family, and community interactions. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This proverb highlights the importance of honesty and fairness in commerce. In personal relationships, believers are encouraged to act with integrity and fairness, avoiding partiality and injustice. Ephesians 4:25 advises, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." The biblical perspective on unfairness challenges individuals to align their actions with God's standards of justice, ensuring that their conduct reflects His righteousness in all aspects of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To deprive of fairness or beauty.2. (a.) Not fair; not honest; not impartial; disingenuous; using or involving trick or artifice; dishonest; unjust; unequal. Greek 4646. skolios -- curved, winding, hence crooked ... crooked. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: skolios Phonetic Spelling: (skol-ee-os') Short Definition: crooked, perverse, unfair Definition: crooked ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4646.htm - 7k 5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult 4299. prokrima -- a prejudice Library Since this is the Case, What, Pray, is So Unfair as that we Should ... The Answer on the Way to Keep Control Over Abstinence. 2 Cor. xii. 16-18 Matt. xxvii. 62-64. Truth Hidden when not Sought After. Predestination and the Justice of God Then Manes, after Silence had Been Secured among All... Chapter xiv Romans x. 13 The Separation of the Provinces, 1857-1899. Thesaurus Unfair (1 Occurrence)... unequal. Multi-Version Concordance Unfair (1 Occurrence). Matthew 20:13 "But he answered one of them,'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. ... /u/unfair.htm - 6k Unfailing (29 Occurrences) Unequal (5 Occurrences) Unfairness (1 Occurrence) Usury (17 Occurrences) Wrongful (2 Occurrences) Favor (184 Occurrences) Fraud (15 Occurrences) Foul (41 Occurrences) Redress (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about resentment? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about nepotism? | GotQuestions.org What is toxic masculinity? | GotQuestions.org Unfair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unfair (1 Occurrence)Matthew 20:13 Subtopics Inconsistency in Accusing Jesus of Violating the Sabbath Inconsistency: General Scriptures Concerning Inconsistency: The Jews, in Oppressing the Poor Related Terms |