“Rules For Justice”

God establishes a justice system based on truth, impartiality, and compassion.

Avoid false reports; always speak honestly.

Do not follow crowds in wrongdoing. Righteousness isn’t about popularity.

Show no favoritism, whether to the rich or poor.

Help your enemy if needed; return their animal and assist with burdens.

Reject bribes, they corrupt judgment.

Be kind to foreigners, remembering Israel’s own experience of mistreatment.

Justice here is more than law, it’s moral and relational. (It reads in Exodus 23:1–9 Easy: Do not make false reports. Do not tell lies in court to help wicked people. Do not join a group of bad people to do evil things. When you speak in court, tell the truth so that the judges will decide what is right. Do not tell lies to agree with what everyone else says. Do not speak on behalf of a poor man only because you like him.Perhaps you may find your enemy’s cow or his donkey when he has lost it. If so, you must give it back to him. Perhaps you may see your enemy’s donkey when it is carrying a heavy load. If the donkey has fallen down, do not refuse to give help. Do not leave the donkey there. Always do what is right for your poor people when they stand in front of a judge. Do not help anyone to use lies to accuse another person. Never punish anyone with death if they are not guilty. I will never say that a wicked person is not guilty. Do not accept a bribe. A bribe will hide the truth even from honest people. It can make good people tell lies. Do not be cruel to a foreign person who lives among you. You yourselves know what that feels like. Remember that you lived in Egypt as foreigners.) This shows that God’s people should practice justice as a lifestyle rooted in truth, fairness, and empathy, reflecting God’s character in all interactions.

Father God, teach me to walk in Your justice with a steady heart. Guard my mouth from false words and my steps from following the crowd. Give me courage to stand for what is right, even when it is not popular. Help me treat every person with fairness, without favoritism or fear. Soften my heart toward those who have hurt me and give me the strength to show compassion where I would rather withdraw. Remind me of where You brought me from, so I can extend grace to others. Shape my life to reflect Your truth, Your mercy, and Your righteousness. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus precious name, amen.