Injustice, hated by God (2)

God hates injustice

Proverbs 6:16–19 NASB95

There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

See also ; ;

God will vindicate the victims of injustice

They cry for justice

There are some OT passages where vengeance upon persecutors is called for (e.g., Ps 35:1-8; Ps 69:22-28; Jer 11:18-20; 18:19-23). These are called “imprecatory”. They arose from zeal for God’s honour and from the desire for moral stability in society. They reflect an under-developed view of God’s ultimate judgments and the failure to distinguish between the guilty and their innocent families. In the light of the NT the motives behind these prayers may be applauded but it is recognised that now they are best expressed in the denunciation of injustice accompanied by gospel witness, through which the hearts of oppressors are changed, leaving the matter of judgment as God’s prerogative alone.

See also ; ; ; In OT times a redeemer was a near relative responsible for securing the just rights of a poor kinsperson.

God will answer their cry

Luke 18:1–8 NASB95

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

See also ; ; ; ; ; ;

God condemns injustice

Isaiah 10:1–3 NASB95

Woe to those who enact evil statutes And to those who constantly record unjust decisions, So as to deprive the needy of justice And rob the poor of My people of their rights, So that widows may be their spoil And that they may plunder the orphans. Now what will you do in the day of punishment, And in the devastation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your wealth?

See also ;

God will punish the unjust

Micah 2:1–3 NASB95

Woe to those who scheme iniquity, Who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, For it is in the power of their hands. They covet fields and then seize them, And houses, and take them away. They rob a man and his house, A man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am planning against this family a calamity From which you cannot remove your necks; And you will not walk haughtily, For it will be an evil time.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Possibility of injustice among believers:

;

;

The apparent present success of the unjust

Psalm 37:1–2 NASB95

Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb.

See also ; ; ;

God’s people must hate injustice

Injustice forbidden by God

Proverbs 22:22 NASB95

Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate;

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Injustice should be renounced by God’s people

Psalm 119:163 NASB95

I hate and despise falsehood, But I love Your law.

See also ; ; ;

Injustice displaced by love

; ;

God’s people must bear injustice patiently

James 5:7–8 NASB95

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

See also ; ;