Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:1-3.
“1 You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. 2 You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; 3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” Exodus 23:1-3.
——————-
“You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” Leviticus 25:15.
By far, most of the time, the problem is with people being partial to the great and the rich. Scripture is filled with such examples. Here is just one example.
“1 Woe to those who enact evil statutes
And to those who constantly record unjust decisions,
2 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.” Isaiah 10:1-2.
But, today’s Scripture teaches us that we should also not be partial to the poor.
So to speak, we don’t join Robin Hood and his band of merry men to rob from the rich and give to the poor.
“Social justice” (of “the ends justify the means”) is not justice. We should not be partial to the poor in a dispute that should be decided justly.
We can and should help the poor, but to do so, we don’t “bear a false report” nor “pervert justice” nor ” be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” Verses 1-3.
“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.” Proverbs 29:7. But, the righteous is not partial to the poor so as to pervert justice.
“If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 