Parenting by the Book
STUDY 276
Text: Proverbs 24
8 October 2006
Dear Parents,
UPHOLDING JUSTICE
From very ancient times, God emphasized the importance of upholding justice. In the early days of ancient Israel, there existed a system of justice that involved the bearing of witness. In the following text, reference is made to this ancient practice.
Do not be a witness against your neighbour without cause,
For would you deceive with your lips?
Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.’Proverbs 24:28-29
UNDERSTANDING THE MOSAIC LAW ON THIS SUBJECT
In order to have a greater sense of appreciation of this subject, we need to look at a text found in the book of Deuteronomy.
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity
or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three
witnesses the matter shall be established.Deuteronomy 19:15
1. Protecting the rights of an individual
This was what God had in mind when He gave this law. A single testimony would not be considered sufficient evidence to convict an individual of wrong doing.
2. Two or three witnesses
A case may be established only if two or three reliable witnesses are found. This provision is not fool-proof though.
3. Other factors must be considered
God had other provisions made to uphold justice.
And the judges shall make careful enquiry, and indeed,
if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against
his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done
to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.Deuteronomy 19:18-19
THE LAW IS NOT TO BE TAKEN ADVANTAGED OF
The advice given in Proverbs 24:28-29 essentially upholds the spirit of the Mosaic Law. No one should bear false witness against his neighbour for any reason. To do so would render one guilty of the sin of deception. To harm a neighbour without cause is to be guilty of injustice. Let us be challenged not only to teach our children to know the letter of the law, but also to appreciate the spirit of the law.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie