Proverbs 24:23-25 — Judge-stice

 READ THIS: Proverbs 24:23-25

23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: 24 Whoever says to the guilty,“You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. 25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Today, this passage gives us a reminder of the difference between justice and judgement! Solomon, the man who wrote these words, was a king known for his great wisdom, and often times he was asked to make important decisions regarding different people in his kingdom. Like any king or judge back then, these people were tasked with deciding whether someone was guilty or innocent or, in some cases, decide who was right and who was wrong. Here, this passage tells us that when we judge (remember, Solomon is writing to his son, the soon to be king himself), we must judge fairly, not showing favoritism or partiality. But... I thought it was bad to judge people? Yes and no!
 
Judgement can be a very dangerous thing. Every day, we can choose to judge those around us, sometimes in small ways and other times in big ways. In 5 seconds, we can look at someone and make a lot of judgements about them... that is the kind of judgement we need to be careful not to do! But sometimes, God appoints people like you and me to lead and make judgements - to make important decisions and solve conflicts between people. That kind of judgement is necessary, and it is even more necessary that it is done well!
 
So... how do we judge well? It starts by seeking justice! God doesn't show favoritism... He stands for what is right, no matter who stands in front of Him, and so should we! When we let things slide for certain people, even if we know what they have done is wrong, we aren't standing for justice. BUT, that doesn't mean we can't show grace... that is kind of Jesus's specialty after all! The second part of being a good judge is by judging the action, not the person! When Jesus looks at us, He doesn't see liars, cheaters, gossipers, or evil people... He sees His children. When we judge, let us be people who stand up for what is right while still seeing those who do wrong as God's children!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Why is it so easy for us to judge people rather than their actions?

2. Think about someone who has wronged you or someone you love... what would it look like for you to treat that person like they were God's child?

TRY THIS:
 
Check out this awesome verse from Micah 6:8 about justice!

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

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