Upholding Righteousness

Read Proverbs 24

Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.

Proverbs 24:23

In the famous statue that adorns the entrances of many courts, the woman called Justice wears a blindfold. The implication is clear: She is blind to the criteria that we normally use to distinguish among ourselves, whether physical appearance, riches, or rank. So, too, this proverb points to justice on earth and the justice to come in the last day.

We know that “God has no favorites” (Galatians 2:6). As Jesus told the apostle John, “Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy. Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds” (Revelation 22:11-12).

An awareness of God’s promise of eventual and absolute justice ought to lie behind every judgment we make. Otherwise, we place ourselves in the position of being liable for God’s judgment.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Playing favorites is playing with fire.

Today, Lord, help me to walk in righteousness. Help me to not attempt to excuse my offenses against you.