Do Not Pervert Justice

God's Prophets Demand Justice
Amos Rails against Injustice

Micah Calls for Justice among Unjust People


No Tolerance for Corrupt Leaders and People

Exodus 23:1-8  The Message

23 ^1-3 “Don’t pass on malicious gossip.

“Don’t link up with a wicked person and give corrupt testimony. Don’t go along with the crowd in doing evil and don’t fudge your testimony in a case just to please the crowd. And just because someone is poor, don’t show favoritism in a dispute.
^4-5 “If you find your enemy’s ox or donkey loose, take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, don’t walk off and leave it. Help it up.
⁶ “When there is a dispute concerning your poor, don’t tamper with the justice due them.
⁷ “Stay clear of false accusations. Don’t contribute to the death of innocent and good people. I don’t let the wicked off the hook.
⁸ “Don’t take bribes. Bribes blind perfectly good eyes and twist the speech of good people.

 

For Reflection 

"Go along to get along." Peer pressure or the pressure to conform to our cultural norms is a monumental force to regulate our behavior.  However, a problem arises when that pressure influences one's relationship with God and results in action contrary to God's intentions.    Take the admonishment of corruption to heart.  Help others when they need help.  Champion justice to those most venerable to injustices.  Avoid false accusations and turning away from the challenge of confrontation.  Ask yourself, "What might it take to bribe me?  Evaluate the desires or weaknesses that make you vulnerable to bribes of all kinds.

Pray

that you know yourself and trust your relationship to God.  Pray that you will not be seduced to turn from God's will by your desire to avoid cultural confrontation.