Proverbs 24:23-24. 23These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good. 24Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed…
Here in America we pride ourselves on having an impartial judicial system. But let’s be honest, is there such a thing as impartiality in judging? Don’t we all personally and the systems we create always include some level of partiality? And worse yet, don’t we fall into the trap of declaring the wicked to be right or righteous, when nothing could be further from the truth?
Why would anyone ever call a wicked person right? Why would someone side with the bad person over the good person?
When Jesus was put on trial the people sided with the wicked man Barabbas over Jesus. Pilate, the judge sought to release Jesus by creating a moral dilemma for the people. He offered them one criminal for acquittal. Jesus or the known terrorist, Barabbas. And you know what happened. The people cried out for Barabbas to be set free, and for Jesus to be crucified. Partiality. Calling the wicked right, and the right wicked. Is there any greater sin?
But why did they do that? Why choose the wicked Barabbas over the righteous Jesus? The book of Matthew says that they did it because of their envy.
Matthew 27:18. For Pilate knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered Jesus up [to be crucified].
When we become envious of others we quickly begin to show partiality. Have you ever wanted someone to fail or be falsely accused just because you were jealous of them? Or maybe we look the other way when it comes to the wicked man because we believe that he can help us in some way (like a manager at work, or a politician). We may even idolize the wicked because we want what they have, their fame, success, or cool.
God hates partiality. He forbade it in his law, and he abolishes it in his gospel. God is no respecter of persons, he calls us all wicked, yet offers us all salvation full and free through his crucified Son. In Christ we can embrace both of our realities simultaneously. We are more wicked than we ever imagined, and, at the same time, we are more loved than we ever dared hope.
In Christ we never have to call evil good and good evil (Is. 5:20). Only God is good. The rest of us are evil, made good by the imputed righteousness of Jesus in us. Let that guide your judgments of all mankind, starting with yourself.
You: Are you ever partial? Are you ever partial to the wicked?
You in Christ: How does union with Christ prevent us from feeling the need to show partiality, especially to the wicked?
Christ in you: Is there any relationship with others that you need to address in your own heart today? Are you showing partiality? How can Christ in you take control?
Pray: Father, thank you for your impartiality, your justice, and your grace. Where would I be without all that you are in the cross of Christ? Guide me away from partiality today by your wisdom. Amen.
To Live is Christ 