Table of Contents
The Meaning of Justice
How many individuals cry out for justice, but don’t really understand its meaning? Some call for it, but they’re actually calling for vengeance. Some demand justice; even though, they themselves are unjust. Would you consider yourself a just person? Biblically speaking, what is it?
To begin, the root word for justice in the Old Testament means to be right or make right, and points to equity (the quality of being fair and impartial). Simply put, rightness. Justice is also rendered as “moderately,” “right,” “righteous,” “act righteous” or “righteously,” and “righteousness.”
The Sincerity of Justice
Let’s continue to drill down on this word, since there’s more to it than meets the eye. A major component to justice is sincerity. Justice speaks the truth; therefore, there is no justice apart from truth. If a system or person is to be just, there can be nothing hidden. For instance, when evidence is withheld in a trial, justice is obstructed. Of course, if there’s partiality involved, it is absent. One aspect of God’s justice is He is impartial.
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
There is much to be said about truth and justice. To put things in perspective, some claim to have a just cause, but they misrepresent the facts involved in order to push their agenda. They’re not interested in truth, because it more than likely would weaken their cause, if not completely obliterate it. It may be easy to think in terms of what you may see in the media, but it carries a wide range of personal applications, such as disputes between people. Not to mention those who want to look right, but insist on comparing themselves with others to do so. They speak despairingly of others, to bolster the idea of them being a “good person.” Comparing yourself to another does not make you just. Moreover, it is an injustice to speak ill of another.
Proverbs 18:17 The first to plead his case seems right (just), until another comes and examines him.
The Way of Justice
Justice involves the way you do things. It’s more encompassing than one might think. It includes just or right measures and weights. It would be easy to single out those in business, in terms of the honesty of proprietors. But what about the employees or associates. How many try to take advantage of their employers? That too is broad in scope. It ranges from not giving an honest day’s work for the wages. Many are aware of those who “milk the clock,” for all it’s worth. It’s a form of stealing. Even sub-par work is an unjust measure, not to be confused with those who are doing their best, but just haven’t got the hang of it yet. Too many areas to cover on this one, but the point has been made.
Perhaps, another area not talked much about is how honest are customers? Is it right, to cheat the system? For example, an establishment offers something free, and all the customer has to do is give them his email. The offer is one per customer. All of the sudden, the customer has multiple emails, and you guessed it: more than one free item. Would that be considered just?
Is it just to buy something, use it, and then return it for a full refund? We’re not talking about returning a defective product. The intention was never to keep it, just use it, rent free. “Well, they can afford it” doesn’t cut it. One cannot justify stealing. Companies can only absorb so much, before they’re forced out of business. What happens to the jobs when that occurs? How does God view it?
Proverbs 20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Justice and Welfare of Others
Another element of justice is the welfare of others. For example, just rulers care for their subjects. They never abuse their power; rather, they use it for the good of the people. This includes vindicating the innocent and punishing the wicked. Even the punishment fits the crime. Guess what, Jesus made us kings and priests (see Revelation 1:6). How merciful are we as His people? Do we forgive as He forgives us? Do we bless as He blesses? Do we glorify God as Jesus does the Father? These are all elements of justice. So, do you consider yourself a just person?
