Proverbs 28:5 (ESV) says, “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.”
In this post, we won’t talk about evil people and their misdeeds but about the just treatment of everyone.
We’ve heard the phrases, “that doesn’t do you justice” or “that doesn’t do it justice.”
I’ve taken selfies and thought that the picture didn’t do me justice. And what about when people tell you that you look prettier in person because a photo doesn’t do you justice.
The justice in Proverbs 28:5 isn’t cosmetic; it’s more than skin deep.
And we often say, if you’re going to do something, do it justice. Don’t half-step, but give it your best.
So, we try to do ourselves justice by being the best that we can be, whatever we do. Surely you remember a time you didn’t do yourself justice. In other words, you could’ve done better. We’ve all experienced this. I know I have. And being true to yourself and your abilities is important.
The justice in Proverbs 28:5 speaks to self-justice and the justice rendered to others.
When people think about the word justice, they think about alleged wrongdoings or crimes. And the alleged person is either acquitted or punished based on the evidence.
Justice is fair and equitable treatment.
Our constitution guarantees every individual equal protection of the law or legal justice. Everyone, regardless of race or social status, who breaks the same law, should be given the same penalty.
Justice means the same wrong or right is met with the same punishment or reward.
But the justice in Proverbs 28:5 means more.
We do ourselves a dis-justice not only when we don’t do our best but also when we don’t do what’s morally right. Justice is doing what’s morally right. And who knows more about justice than the author, our creator?
God is just, the greatest advocate of justice, and He commands us to be just.
Justice is a God-given birthright, not for some, but for everyone.
God said let justice flow down like water.
Justice is more than a consequence of misdeeds. Justice is a moral responsibility to needs.
The vulnerable thirsts for the water of justice. The poor, widows, orphans, immigrants, and refugees deserve justice. Their condition needs this flowing water: care, generosity, and love.
Missionaries and other people have sold houses and homes to do justice to the needy in all parts of the world.
I thank God for Doctors Without Borders. They go and do to render justice to the needy.
Justice is everyone’s responsibility.
God said He is a Father to the fatherless and protector of justice for the widows.
The lawful, less fortunate, and economically-challenged people don’t need legal justice. They broke no laws, but their lives may be shattered.
Isaiah 10:2 (ESV) says, Woe to them that “turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!”
The uneducated and poor are often victims of the educated and prosperous.
As water flows down, justice from the “haves” should flow and be given to the “have nots.”
People who don’t know all their blessings come from God, dishonor God. We are blessed to be a blessing to others.
We who seek God know that justice is the love of God. God wants us to do justice to others by sharing His blessings and love.
When we do justice to others, we do justice to our souls.
Christians know and understand justice because we seek God and His will.