In the Bible, “justly” refers to acting in accordance with righteousness, fairness, and moral integrity, as God commands believers to do what is right and equitable (Micah 6:8). It underscores the importance of justice in behavior towards others, reflecting God’s character and divine justice.
Scripture
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?”
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Biblical Meaning of Justly
The biblical concept of acting “justly” encompasses more than mere legal adherence; it signifies a deep, moral commitment to fairness and integrity in all dealings with others. Micah 6:8 illustrates this call to justice, urging believers to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God,” reflecting a holistic approach to righteousness that melds justice with compassion and humility. Throughout scripture, God demands His followers to advocate for the marginalized, uphold the rights of the oppressed, and engage in acts of kindness that mirror His own character. For instance, in Proverbs 21:3, the Lord indicates that “to do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice,” highlighting that ethical conduct holds greater significance than ritualistic worship.
Furthermore, the notion of justice is intrinsically connected to the overarching narrative of redemption found in the Bible. The theme of just behavior is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who emphasized justice not only in words but through actions, such as defending the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) or challenging societal norms that neglected the poor (Matthew 25:31-46). Through these examples, believers are called to pursue justice as a reflection of God’s love and providence, echoing the call found in Isaiah 1:17 to “learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Ultimately, the call to act justly in the Bible is a profound invitation to reflect God’s love and to partake in His redemptive work in the world by fostering equity, mercy, and genuine care for one another.
The biblical exhortation to act justly is further illuminated in the wisdom literature and prophetic texts, where it serves as a foundational principle in the moral life of the community. In the Psalms, for instance, the psalmist expresses the heart of God’s justice as a trait that is woven into His very character, as seen in Psalm 89:14, which states, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.” This portrayal underscores the belief that divine justice is inseparable from His rule, emphasizing that believers are called to reflect this divine characteristic in their interactions.
Moreover, the prophetic literature presents a clarion call for social justice, highlighting instances where God condemns the neglect of justice among His people. In the book of Amos, the Lord cries out against the inequities and corruption of Israel, famously declaring, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24). This imagery evokes a vision of justice that is not merely stagnant but dynamic and all-encompassing, flowing abundantly to address injustices and restore equity. Such verses illustrate that to act justly is an ongoing commitment, requiring believers to be vigilant and proactive in challenging systems that perpetuate injustice and working towards reconciliation and healing within their communities. Thus, the biblical call to justice resonates deeply with the broader narrative of God’s redemptive purposes, intertwining individual and communal responsibility.
Justice as a Divine Attribute
In the Bible, the concept of justice is closely tied to the nature of God. God is often described as just and righteous, embodying the ultimate standard of fairness and equity. This divine attribute calls believers to reflect God’s character in their own lives, promoting a sense of moral responsibility and ethical behavior. Justice, therefore, is not merely a human construct but a reflection of God’s will and purpose for creation.
Social Responsibility and Community Well-Being
The biblical meaning of justly extends beyond individual morality to encompass social justice and community welfare. Believers are called to act justly not only in their personal dealings but also in their interactions with society at large. This includes advocating for the marginalized, ensuring fair treatment for all, and working towards the common good. The call to act justly emphasizes the importance of community and the interconnectedness of individuals within the body of Christ.
Restoration and Reconciliation
Another broader meaning of acting justly in the Bible involves the themes of restoration and reconciliation. Justice is not solely about punishment or retribution; it also encompasses the idea of restoring relationships and healing divisions. This perspective encourages believers to seek restorative justice, which aims to mend broken relationships and promote forgiveness. In this way, acting justly becomes a pathway to peace and unity, reflecting God’s desire for harmony among His creation.
How to Foster Justice and Righteousness in Faith
Fostering justice and righteousness in your faith journey is a deeply personal and transformative endeavor that begins with a sincere heart and a willingness to act. As you immerse yourself in Scripture, let the teachings of Jesus resonate within you—He consistently called us to love our neighbors, care for the marginalized, and seek justice for the oppressed. Start by reflecting on your own community; identify the injustices that exist and consider how you can be a voice for those who are voiceless. Engage in acts of service, whether through volunteering, advocating for social change, or simply offering kindness to those in need. Remember, righteousness is not just about personal piety but about embodying God’s love in action. Pray for wisdom and courage to stand up for what is right, and let your faith inspire you to create a ripple effect of justice and compassion in the world around you. In doing so, you not only grow closer to God but also become a beacon of hope and righteousness in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to Justly Meaning:
Isaiah 1:16-17: 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
17 learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.
Proverbs 21:2-3: 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Zechariah 7:9-10: 9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,”
10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
Amos 5:21-24: 21 “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.”
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
19 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.
20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Psalm 82:2-4: 2 How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Jeremiah 22:3-5: 3 Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people.
5 But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.
Leviticus 19:15-16: 15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.”
16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
Matthew 23:23-24: 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
James 2:1-4: 1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,
3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,”
4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Romans 2:6-11: 6 He will render to each one according to his works:
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,
10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
11 For God shows no partiality.
Luke 18:1-8: 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.
3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Ezekiel 18:5-9: 5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—
6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,
7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,
9 “if he walks in my statutes and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.”
Job 29:12-17: 12 because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him.
13 The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.
16 I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous
and made him drop his prey from his teeth.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.