RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
 
Proverbs 2:6-11
 
When we have studied and gained godly wisdom, the Proverbs writer tells us in chapter 2, verse 9, “Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time.” Too often, the world is turning its back on these three godly principles but God tells us to seek them out in every situation.
 
1.   There is right and wrong. It doesn’t say politically correct, socially acceptable or commonly practiced. For every situation, there is a right path to take and the only way to know this is to have God’s word buried in your heart.

2.   God is a just God. Within His justice there are penalties or consequences for sin. As we learn His ways and follow His example, we too come to understand when justice is being carried out or needs to be administered. Walking a just path can be difficult. Every parent who administers tough love to a wayward child understands this and it is heart-breaking. Imagine how it broke God’s heart when He sent His Son to die for our sin.

3.   God is always fair and we must be as well. Judgment day is being held back until all of God’s creation has the opportunity to accept or reject His love. That is the ultimate in fairness. As (in the words of Jabez) our territory is enlarged, we must be diligent in our Godlike fairness and equality.
 
Only “knowledge and understanding” of God’s word will enable you to stay on the paths of righteousness, justice and fairness.