Readings in Proverbs
Proverbs – Day 16
Day 16: Justice and goodness – part 2 These proverbs tell us that Lady Justice is to be blind (Prov. 8:5); so let the case be heard, not the person. […]
Day 16: Justice and goodness – part 2
These proverbs tell us that Lady Justice is to be blind (Prov. 8:5); so let the case be heard, not the person. Doing what is right is more important to the LORD than offering sacrifices to Him (Prov. 21:3). The greatest injustice committed was the crucifixion of God the Son. When the Centurion saw all that happened, “he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent! (Luke 23:47).” Yet through this injustice we are forgiven.
These proverbs remind us that we should withhold our judgment until all sides have been heard, otherwise we might naïvely side with the first person who speaks (Prov. 18:17). We cannot undo the muck of our sin or give ourselves pure hearts. Yet, the LORD’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26 is, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
– Prov. 18:5
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
– Prov. 18:17
What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
– Prov. 19:22
A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
– Prov. 19:28
Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?
– Prov. 20:9
A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.
– Prov. 20:26
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
– Prov. 21:3
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
– Prov. 21:15
Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
– Prov. 22:5
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.
– Prov. 22:8
He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
– Prov. 22:11
Father, we thank You for Your Son who willingly endured such injustice for our sakes. Keep us from hasty judgments or biased judgments. We ask to be fair-minded in all things.
We pray this to the praise of Your glory, Amen.
– Graham Barnes
