The term “social justice” is a term widely used today, and right across borders, we can see that there is a need for social justice in our societies. But sadly, this justice mostly seems to go in favor of the rich and the powerful.
However, what is God’s take on social justice? Well, let’s explore these verses below to get a better understanding of how it is viewed in the eyes of our Lord and Savior.
What is the Biblical View of Social Justice?
One of the most pressing issues that have taken center stage today is social injustice, especially in the United States of America. And because of this issue, there is so many ‘Justice for All’ campaigns and theories that speak to social justice around the world today.
However, there seems to be a slight difference between social justice and Biblical justice, in that Biblical justice takes on a heavenly perspective, meanwhile, social justice requires the assistance of government entities.
Still, from the Good Book, we know that God is not a God who shows favoritism or likes injustice and so there are many religious practices outlined in The Old Testament that give a foundation to true social justice.
Bible Verses About Social Justice For the Oppressed
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
In the early days, mothers were very dependent on both the protection and provision of their husbands. And by this, God knew there needed to be a change and demanded that there be justice for them.
And so when Isaiah said these words, he was targeting the heart of the leaders to seek justice for the vulnerable, those who were widowed, or had no father figures in their lives.
And today God is looking for people who are willing to do the same. Faithful men and women who will strive to correct oppression of the oppressed. Those who will tackle issues such as human trafficking, the mistreatment of a resident alien, or the global orphan crises.
And so by defending the vulnerable and the oppressed, we defend the truth of God.
Isaiah 10:1-2 “1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.”
This warning is for those who make unjust laws, especially for the destitute. Like Karl Marx states it is unethical to deprive a person of what they were rightfully owed. And it is humanly and biblically unethical to turn away those who are looking for a helping hand.
And so giving alms to the poor was not only expected of the early Christians, but it is a requirement of modern-day believers today as well.
Proverbs 29:7 “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
This verse, like many, speaks to justice for the poor and oppressed. It is said that a wicked man, in his pride, doesn’t concern himself with that of God and would rather turn a blind eye to the needy.
And so this verse is directed to the righteous who God is counting on to take care of those less fortunate. And not do this out of pity, but because we know in our hearts it is the right thing to do.
Zechariah 7:9-10 “ 9 Thus says the Lord of hosts, render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, 10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
Today we live in such a biased world, a world where people seem to be judged mainly on how they look, their background, their financial and social standing, and everything else except the truth.
This message was written for the nation of Israel, but it is also written for believers today. In other words, just as God dispensed his love and compassion for the children of Israel, He encourages us to harbor love and practice kindness in our pursuit of true justice.
Bible Verses About Social Justice and Fairness
Jeremiah 22:3 “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.”
This message by Jeremiah was not only speaking to the leaders of Judah, but it is meant for believers today, that whether we are on the pulpit or in the pew, we are to do what is just and right.
To also help those who have fallen at the hands of oppressors and seek to correct social injustice. If we fail to do this, verse four warns us that we will be punished, but if we continually honor righteousness and act justly, we will be greatly rewarded.
Micah 6:8 “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.”
The question that is asked here is “What does the Lord require of us?” Well, the answer to this question is scattered throughout the Bible. However, there is a focus here on acting justly.
See, the Lord, through his teachings and examples, laid the groundwork for us to follow and so justice is not only served in the courtroom, but as Zechariah 7:9 says, we are to “Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion” outside of the judicial system as well.
And so it is the will of our sovereign Lord that we act justly, are fair in our ways and walk humbly with Him, all of which contribute to a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27).
Proverbs 21:15 “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
When a righteous person delights in doing what is right, it not only brings joy to them, but it troubles the minds of those who are evil. And that is because the heart of the wicked is not to see true justice prevail.
They will do whatever they can to cheat their way to the top, no matter who they step on to get there. And so the Bible says destruction will come to those who are dishonest in their ways, but those who administer righteousness and true justice will be greatly blessed.
Proverbs 31:9 “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
One of the main focuses of this verse is the call for advocacy. This verse addresses the leaders or those in power being tasked with giving a voice to the voiceless. In the face of injustice, there need to be people who are willing to fight against it.
And so God is not looking for bystanders, but rather looking for leaders who will defend the rights of the poor and needy because even though they might be living in destitution, they still have rights, and those rights deserve to be heard.
Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The lesson here depicts the judgment of two different groups of people, and here the Bible used “sheep” and “goats”. Sheep are those who will attend to the needs of others, while the goats will only selfishly look out for themselves and as such will face eternal punishment.
We must also play our part in helping the needy because it is through our good works that others can see a reflection of God’s character.
Take the Parable of the good Samaritan, for example, it was because of this man’s faithfulness to God that he helped someone that was in distress.
And so from this example, we see that godly justice is not based on color or money or power, but it is the life buoy we throw to someone, believers or unbelievers alike, who is drowning in despair.
Leviticus 19:15 “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
Perverting the system of justice is not only a common law crime but is one of many religious offenses. Whether it’s economic justice, restorative justice, or even procedural justice, there should be no unjust judgment.
Sometimes we are easily tempted to favor one person over another and so we base our judgments on that. And so this is a message for everyone to not judge with partiality or judge our neighbors unfairly, but as God’s Word says, “Believers of the Lord Jesus Christ must show no favoritism,” (James 2:1).
And as such we are to judge others fairly as we would want to be fairly judged.
Bible Verses About Social Justice and Vengeance
Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
It is hard sometimes to turn a blind eye to those who relish in causing you pain. To “turn the other cheek” some will say. But the command given by Jesus here is “Do not take revenge, but rather leave it up to God to handle the situation.”
The Bible says God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies. He will lift you up when others try to hold you down. And in due time their foot will slip, (Deuteronomy 32:35), and be faced dire consequences.
And so instead of trying to seek justice for yourself, Paul is encouraging you to let go and let God, for us, He will avenge.
Exodus 23:1 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”
In Proverbs chapter 6, it outlines a few things that God hates, one of which is also listed in the ten commandments, and that is a false prophet or “A false witness who pours out lies or a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
(Proverbs 6:19) It also tells us not to shake hands with the guilty because even though you might not be guilty of the sin, your association makes you just as guilty in God’s eyes. And because of your interference with social justice, you will receive the same penalty as the accused. (Deuteronomy 19:15-16)
Proverbs 24:29 “Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
Given our human nature it is natural for us to say “I won’t get mad, I’ll just get even.” And the truth of the matter is, it sometimes brings us more relief to “get even” than to sit and wait for “what goes around comes around.” However 1 Peter 3:9 warns us “Not to repay evil with evil or insults with insults.”
And although it is easier said than done, we have to remember that two wrongs don’t make a right, and it is not worth losing our salvation over when we already know that God said he will repay. And that for those who blatantly do evil, will also get what is due to them.
Bible Verse About the Social Justice Of God
Isaiah 61:8 “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.”
It is no secret that the Lord loves justice and hates robbery and corruption. And because he is a just God, a rich blessing awaits those who are just in their ways as well.
And because of the unfailing love of Jesus Christ, He is willing and able to vindicate His saints whenever we are faced with injustice (Psalms 37:28).
Psalms 9:8 “And he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.”
We all have heard about the day of reckoning, a day when both dead and alive will receive their final judgment. A day when we stand before God and judge us based on our work, good or bad, and be rewarded accordingly.
And so this is food for thought for all of us, on the day of judgment will we be rewarded eternal life or will we receive eternal punishment? Either way, justice for all will be served.
Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Moses. Some of which are from the lessons learned from the mistakes of the Israelites whose ungratefulness and unfaithfulness cause them to face their penalty by wandering in the wilderness.
Nearing his death, Moses sang this song proclaiming God’s justice and faithfulness. He is not unjust in His ways, and He is not one to forget what we do in His name. And so let us try not to fall at the hands of God’s wrath and be reminded of the Promise Land that awaits all those who take up the cross and follow Christ.
Deuteronomy 27:19 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow. “Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” ”
A curse is a manifestation of the wrath and justice of God to those who dishonor the law of the gospel, one of which is unfair ruling. And so this verse could not be any clearer, to those who withhold justice a curse will come upon them, and if they refuse to change, there is a special place in hell that awaits them.
And so none of us wants to be on the receiving end of God’s wrath, so let us join the movement in correcting social injustice by giving strength to the weak and hope for the oppressed.
Conclusion
From these verses and many others, we can see that the Bible supports the need for social justice, which goes in support of those living in destitution.
And so let us tap into the remnant of the Apostle Paul that is in all of us, and as the children of the true and living God, let us fight this pandemic of injustice with a God-centered approach.
