Topical Encyclopedia Justice, as a divine attribute and a moral principle, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is the quality of being fair, righteous, and impartial, and it reflects God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The Bible emphasizes that saints, or believers, should receive instruction in justice to align their lives with God's will and to promote righteousness in their communities.Biblical Foundation The call for justice is rooted in the nature of God Himself. 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." This verse underscores that justice is inherent to God's character, and as His followers, believers are called to emulate this attribute. Instruction in Justice The Bible provides numerous instructions for believers to pursue justice. In Micah 6:8, the prophet succinctly states, "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 that acting justly is a fundamental requirement for those who seek to live in accordance with God's will. Proverbs 21:3 further emphasizes the importance of justice, stating, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This indicates that God values just actions over ritualistic offerings, pointing to the heart's alignment with His principles as paramount. Role of Leaders and Authorities The Bible also instructs leaders and authorities to administer justice. In 2 Samuel 23:3, David recounts, "The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'" This instruction underscores the responsibility of leaders to govern with justice, reflecting God's righteousness in their decisions and actions. Justice in the New Testament The New Testament continues the theme of justice, with Jesus Himself advocating for it. 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. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Here, Jesus emphasizes that justice is a weighty matter of the law, integral to true faithfulness. Practical Application for Believers Believers are called to actively pursue justice in their daily lives. Isaiah 1:17 instructs, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse calls for proactive engagement in justice, particularly in defending the vulnerable and correcting wrongs. James 1:27 echoes this sentiment, stating, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." Justice, therefore, is not merely a concept but a practical expression of faith through actions that reflect God's love and righteousness. Conclusion The Bible consistently teaches that justice is a divine mandate for believers. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, saints are called to receive instruction in justice, ensuring that their lives reflect the fairness, righteousness, and impartiality that characterize God's nature. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 1:3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ... The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ... The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; Sanctification. Home-Education. Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries. Nothing but Leaves Letter clxvi. (AD 415. ) The Swiss Reformer. Perseverance Proved. 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 |