25.121 | THE WRONG OF PARTIALITY | Proverbs 24:23-26 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 24:23-26 (ESV)

23 These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.

24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”

will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

THE WRONG OF PARTIALITY

Partiality in judging is not good. Israel's judges were supposed to be impartial when deciding cases. Moses instructed them, "You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it." [Deut 1:17] He added, "You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous." [Deut 16:19] These injunctions provide wise counsel for today's judges, as well. Let us recall that Solomon was not only Israel's king but also the nation's judge. As such, he was obligated to decide cases wisely and administer justice equitably.

What causes a person to say to the wicked, “You are in the right”? He is doing this for selfish gain most likely. Such injustice may happen in response to a bribe, as a favor for a friend, out of fear of an influential person, or even due to personal preference. Such injustice contradicts what God and the public demand of a judge. They are to be fair, honest, and unintimated either to acquit the guiltless, and sentence the guilty appropriately. God does not acquit the wicked. His eyes are too pure to behold evil.[Hab 1:13] He abhors evil and punishes the wrongdoer. Psalm 25:8 declares, "Good and upright is the LORD." Consequently, a judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, he will receive goodwill, and praise of law-abiding citizens. [see v.25]

A judge or any person ‘gives an honest answer kisses the lips.’ [v.26] This metaphor is grounded in the idea of a kiss being an expression of friendship and affection. The Hebrew words in this statement imply something sincere, "straight," and truthful. This corresponds to the idea of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15). It is possible to be truthful and yet not be loving (Prov 15:1; 1 Pet 3:15). Yet it is impossible to be genuinely loving unless one is truthful. There is no love expressed in comforting lies. Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Verse 29 further expounds, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

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