There is a theme that is all over the Proverbs; I mean it almost isn't an exaggeration to say it's there in a thousand ways. It's the theme of justice. This theme is so near to the heart of God because God is the Ultimate Judge, the Ultimate Ruler and Giver of justice because He is always holy and always righteous in everything He says and everything He does. It's impossible for God to be anything else. This is so central to the value system of Proverbs.
It is how the book begins, "To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity." That's your introduction. The writer of Proverbs is saying, "If you want to know what the Proverbs is about, it's about righteousness, justice, and equity." You could argue that everything that Proverbs teaches fits under that rubric of a righteous life, a just life, and an equitable life. That's the way Proverbs is positioned and that's the way that we should understand it.
In chapter 2, there's a connection that is made between "Wisdom taking root in your heart and understanding justice." That's really interesting. One of the heart changes that God wants to work in me is that justice means something to me, justice is important to me, and I understand what justice is. And so, you have to think about that when you're reading Proverbs. Proverbs has many places like in chapter 22, where we're called not to exploit the poor. And then God says. "If you rob them, the Lord will rob you." That, in Scripture, is called a warning.
Accepting a bribe that perverts justice is another way that is talked about. Proverbs 21 says, "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous," and then you get this, "...but a terror to evildoers." I love that turn of that thought.
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice." If I said that to you, would you say, "Tripp, what are you talking about? To do justice is more acceptable than sacrifice?" Well, I just quoted Proverbs 21:3; that's how important this issue is in the heart of God.
Now, I have to say this, sadly this subject of justice in this generation in the church has become hugely controversial; it's become hugely divisive. I had a situation where I posted just a series of passages from scripture on justice; I made no comment, it was just the Bible, and I got vile comments back on Twitter from Christians, angry that I was posting these things.
I think we desperately need to get back to the worldview of Proverbs. Justice is close to the heart of God because He's the ultimate ruler of justice because He is just in every way. Justice is deep in the value system of the worldview of Proverbs. Justice is something that is meant to give joy to a righteous heart. If you understand the ways of God, you will understand justice, Proverbs says.
Maybe we've misunderstood the heart of God. Maybe we've turned human beings into disembodied souls that aren't whole human beings. Maybe we need to reevaluate the importance of justice in our lives and represent this 'just' God wherever He has placed us, be vehicles of His justice!
