“Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the LORD.” Pro 29:26 NLT
Where do you get justice in our world? Today we have a litigious society and packed courts. Are people pursuing justice or pursuing something else. As someone who has spent time wrestling in the legal system, I can attest true justice can only come from the Lord. The righteous Judge.
Today’s proverb weighs in on the issue of justice in a way that reminds us that we need to keep an eternal perspective on all things. This world may seek what they call justice from the officials who rule over it, but true justice for mankind comes from God.
Many do seek the ruler’s favor – and consider that justice. The problem comes when you realize that rulers are not always righteous. There are rulers and officials who receive bribes and favors to turn justice toward the one who gave them. Another problem arises when you read the statement that “many” seek the ruler’s favor. That means if your bribe is not high enough, you lose. If someone else comes along and offers something more or something better, justice goes to the highest bidder.
God warns those He puts in authority repeatedly against taking bribes perverting justice for a price. Although power can corrupt – and absolute power can corrupt absolutely – God alone is the One Who cannot be corrupted. Therefore, wisdom tells us that, “justice for man comes from the Lord.” God’s justice is based on His perfect righteousness and justice. He does not have such things – He IS such things. God does not base justice on a set of laws given by others – He is the Lawgiver, He is the Source of righteousness, and He is the Judge. His throne is founded on justice and righteousness. When He speaks, He speaks with absolute authority – and – with absolute, perfect just and right decisions. When He speaks and judges – His statements are final – and always beyond question.
The Just God – had His justice satisfied by the death of His Son for sin. Now He will justify (declare righteous) anyone who turns to His Son in repentance and faith. No man can offer such a thing. Therefore, the wise man is the one who seeks absolute justice, not from fickle men who can change justice as often as they change socks, but from God. He will not only give just decisions here on earth between men – but will give the ultimate justice to us in heaven – not based on us paying the price of our sins – but based on the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This week, once again, seek the Lord for true justice and righteousness and not to the ways of man.
In His Hands,
John
