Justice, as depicted in the Bible, is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme throughout the Scriptures. It is often associated with righteousness, fairness, and the moral order established by God. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," and the Greek word "dikaiosyne" both convey a sense of rightness and equity.

In the Old Testament, justice is a key component of the Law given to Israel. The Mosaic Law contains numerous statutes aimed at ensuring justice among the people. For instance, 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 impartiality required in administering justice, reflecting God's own just nature.

The prophets frequently called Israel back to justice, condemning the nation's leaders and people for their failure to uphold it. Micah 6:8 famously summarizes God's requirement: "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?" Here, justice is paired with mercy and humility, indicating that true justice is not merely legalistic but is deeply relational and compassionate.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies and teaches justice. His ministry often challenged the unjust practices of the religious leaders of His time. 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." Jesus emphasizes that justice is a weighty matter of the Law, integral to true faithfulness.

The apostle Paul also speaks to the theme of justice, particularly in the context of God's ultimate judgment. In Romans 2:6-8 , Paul writes, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger." Here, divine justice is portrayed as both retributive and rewarding, based on one's actions and heart.

Deceit

Deceit is consistently condemned in the Bible as contrary to the nature of God and the ethical standards He sets for His people. It involves misleading others through falsehoods, trickery, or dishonesty, and is often associated with sin and moral corruption.

The Old Testament frequently warns against deceit. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights God's abhorrence of deceit and His pleasure in truthfulness and integrity. Deceit is seen as a violation of the trust and honesty that should characterize human relationships.

The account of Jacob and Esau provides a vivid example of deceit and its consequences. Jacob's deception of his father Isaac to receive Esau's blessing (Genesis 27) leads to family strife and personal hardship. Despite God's overarching plan, the narrative illustrates the immediate negative impact of deceitful actions.

In the New Testament, deceit is similarly condemned. Jesus teaches that deceit originates from the heart, as seen in Mark 7:21-22 : "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness." Deceit is listed among other sins that defile a person, indicating its serious nature.

The apostle Paul warns against deceit in the life of believers. In Ephesians 4:25 , he exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to honesty reflects the unity and mutual responsibility within the body of Christ, where deceit has no place.

The Bible also identifies Satan as the ultimate deceiver. In John 8:44 , Jesus describes the devil as "a liar and the father of lies," contrasting him with God, who is the source of truth. This stark contrast underscores the spiritual battle between truth and deceit, with believers called to align themselves with God's truth.