Fairness and justice are central to God’s character and kingdom, guiding His dealings with humanity. The Bible offers verses that underscore the importance of fairness in our relationships and societal interactions. Let’s explore these verses that challenge us to pursue righteousness and equity in all aspects of life.
Bible Verses About Fairness
Proverbs 21:15 – Justice brings joy to the righteous
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
Deuteronomy 16:20 – We are called to pursue justice with all our hearts
“Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Isaiah 1:17 – Actively seek fairness for the oppressed
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Proverbs 18:5 – Favoring the wicked is not wise
“It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.”
James 2:1 – Treat everyone equally without favoritism
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
Micah 6:8 – God requires us to act justly
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 29:7 – The righteous understand the needs of the poor
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
Luke 3:14 – Be fair in our dealings with others
“Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’
Isaiah 61:8 – God loves justice and hates robbery
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Psalm 82:3 – Defend the cause of the weak
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
Acts 10:34 – God does not show favoritism
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.’
Proverbs 14:31 – Treating the needy fairly is honoring God
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Romans 2:6-7 – God will repay each person according to their deeds
“God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful; they will receive mercy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – We all must appear before the judgment seat
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
Proverbs 12:5 – The plans of the righteous bring forth justice
“The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.”
Psalm 106:3 – Our happiness lies in acting justly
“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”
Zechariah 7:9 – Show mercy and compassion to one another
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’
1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Colossians 3:25 – Wrongdoers will be paid back for their wrongs
“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others as you want to be treated
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Ephesians 6:9 – Treat your workers fairly and with respect
“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven and there is no favoritism with him.”
Isaiah 59:14 – Justice turns away, and righteousness stands afar
“So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.”
Matthew 23:23 – We must not neglect justice while seeking other things
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
Jeremiah 22:3 – Act justly and protect the oppressed
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do not wrong or villainize the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.’
Proverbs 13:23 – The poor are often overlooked, but justice prevails
“An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.”
Psalm 37:28 – The Lord loves justice and will not forsake the faithful
“For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.”
Ezekiel 18:30 – Repentance is tied to justice
“Therefore I will judge you, each one according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses so sin will not be your downfall.”
Proverbs 15:3 – The Lord observes all; nothing escapes Him
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lent
What Does the Bible Say About Fairness
When we explore what the Bible says about fairness, we notice right away that fairness holds a significant place in Scripture. It’s not simply a peripheral value but rather a core principle that runs through both the Old and New Testaments.
First, in the Old Testament, we see God’s call for fairness in how we treat one another. For instance, in Leviticus 19:15, God explicitly commands against showing partiality, urging us to judge our neighbors fairly, regardless of their status. This divine mandate stresses the importance of equity in our daily interactions and judicial proceedings. Furthermore, the Book of Proverbs frequently underscores the virtue of just behavior, teaching us that the Lord detests dishonest scales but delights in accurate weights (Proverbs 11:1).
As we transition to the New Testament, Jesus’ teachings echo these sentiments. The Golden Rule, found in Matthew 7:12, calls us to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. This directive emphasizes empathy and fairness in personal relationships. Jesus also condemns hypocrisy and calls us to genuine fairness in Matthew 23, where He criticizes the Pharisees for their duplicity and self-serving practices.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, further underscores the significance of fairness. In his epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:9), he instructs masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven. This advice extends to employers and employees today, reminding us of the importance of fairness in our professional environments.
Moreover, James, in his letter, speaks against partiality, especially concerning the treatment of the rich and the poor within the church community (James 2:1-4). He challenges us to avoid favoritism and maintain fairness regardless of social status.
In conclusion, the Bible consistently emphasizes fairness, urging us to reflect God’s just nature in our actions and decisions. From the laws in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the call to fairness weaves throughout Scripture, guiding us towards just and equitable living. This principle not only draws us closer to God but also fosters a community marked by mutual respect and love.