Righteousness and Justice

It seems like more people than ever before are talking about justice. Once the province of social activists, a few religious leaders, and some politicians, justice is now a primary concern for many. But what exactly do we mean by the word? Everybody agrees that justice is important. We do not agree on what justice should look like in practice.

Justice was a major concern in Zechariah’s day too. In today’s passage, the Lord provides a snapshot of what justice should look like among God’s people. First of all, justice is grounded in truth (v. 16). Acts of injustice are always rooted in deceit. This emphasis on truth is coupled with a command to “render true and sound judgment in your courts.” True justice is impossible in a culture that does not value truth. Perhaps this is why the injunction about giving false testimony against your neighbor is included in the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:16). Although the primary context of this command may be legal, it also has implications for ordinary relationships. A community that thrives on gossip will never be a just community. Even in those few instances where gossip is not an exaggeration or outright falsehood, it aims to condemn rather than correct. Biblical truth, on the other hand, is always motivated by love (Eph. 4:15).

The third mark of justice is relational. Those who are committed to justice will not “plot evil against each other” (v. 17). This command is all about intent. Those who value biblical justice not only look out for their interests, they also seek after the well-being of others (Phil. 2:4). The fourth mark, a hatred of false swearing, may seem out of place in this list or at least redundant. However, false swearing isn’t only about the truth. It is about keeping our commitments.

Pray with Us

Amanda Cleary and Connor Sterchi of the Moody Publishers editorial department appreciate your prayers for God’s grace and guidance as they work with authors, helping them develop ideas and edit their manuscripts.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.