What does “justice” mean to God? Right now, America grapples with racial and social injustice in the wake of the violent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many more black Americans. Protests across the country are calling for racial justice. Honestly, the topic of justice is something that can heavily divide. But what is the TRUE meaning of justice?
Throughout the Bible, we see God prefers restorative justice — a form of justice that advocates for seeking out the vulnerable rather than just punishing evil. This biblical justice is born out of love rather than hatred toward each other. Without love, justice looks more like vengeance. This is why Christians need to take Jesus’ own words to heart (Mark 12:30-31) and speak up for the vulnerable. Because we have the good news of Jesus Christ, we are supernaturally capable of loving our neighbors - whatever our differences. This is GOSPEL love. The road to justice is rarely easy, but we are called to stand up for the vulnerable, poor, and oppressed in the face of injustice (Isaiah 1:17).
If you find yourself lost when it comes to seeking justice and are curious about what God really says on the topic, there are answers and guidelines for our actions to be found in the Bible. To help you on your journey to seek justice, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Bible Verses About Justice. We hope reading and meditating on the below verses will help provide you with some clarity and greater understanding when it comes to biblical justice.
10 BIBLE VERSES ABOUT JUSTICE
“‘Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.’” - Exodus 22:21
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” - Proverbs 31:8-9
“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 no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” - Jeremiah 22:3
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” - Psalm 146:7-9
“But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” - Hosea 12:6
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” - Psalm 103:6
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” - Isaiah 30:18
“‘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.’” - Isaiah 61:8
“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” - Psalm 9:7-9
“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.” - Micah 6:8
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional resources to help you learn more about biblical justice are available when you check out these Liquid Church message series: