Open your mouth, judge righteously, plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9, TLV
Before We Open Our Mouth… What does it really mean to judge righteously? Some might believe that skin color and socioeconomic position should determine justice. Others might believe that the word righteous shouldn’t be in the equation — only society’s understanding of justice should rule. But how should righteous justice and judgment work?
If we truly want to know, then as followers of Jesus, we must go back to the basics — the foundation of right and wrong by the Founder, Designer, and Creator of all, His Father.
The first five books of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy) for thousands of years have been called the Torah or the Law. When the Creator of the Universe created us, from the very beginning He designed, then mandated a code of ethics. Following these commands meant our relationship with Him and each other would be whole.
But He knew our nature and set up a redemption process. Initially, it was the sacrificial system coupled with a heart dedicated to Him. Now, the sacrifice has been satisfied by Yeshua (Jesus), and we are to have a heart dedicated to Him. Still, there is the need for justice to be meted out.
Justice is Important to God
By very definition, true justice can only happen because of the conformity to 
the law. It must be impartial and diligently seek truth. Since our Creator designed the Law to help us live in this world, it only follows that He’s very concerned with justice. He is especially concerned that the poor and weak receive the justice they deserve—and He wants us to be a voice for those precious souls.
“You are to do no injustice in judgment. You are not to be partial toward the poor nor show favoritism toward the great, but you are to judge your neighbor with fairness.” Leviticus 19:15, TLV [emphasis mine]
Did you catch that? We are not to be partial to the poor or rich. When there is a subversive agenda to manipulate the law or judgment, true justice is difficult. Unless the righteous speak up. When we don’t, we lose ground.
What can we do?
What can we do? Most of us are just ordinary citizens. Can we make a difference? Yes. If through our actions and words someone begins to understand righteous justice, then that could change your neighborhood. A neighborhood can change a community, and so on.
How can we make a difference? Before a judge can judge, before a defense or prosecuting attorney can do their job, they must know the law. It’s a never-ending pursuit — in fact, while in law school they must learn how to study and apply the law.
The Jewish way to study has always been repetition. Each year, observant Jews read through the Torah. Each week, throughout the world, they read the same passages. They discuss and argue and learn, together. Because they know they will never know it all, they continue to read and re-read each year. They know there will always be new revelations, deeper insights, and reminders of His truth.
So, before we can open our mouth, we too need to prepare with:
- Regular study of GOD’s foundational laws.
- Pursuit of wisdom and discernment. (The book of Proverbs is filled with His instructions on justice as well.)
- The study of the life of the Sacrificial Lamb, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah/Christ).
- Seek Him where and when He wants us to speak up.
Goodness. I hadn’t intended to rattle on so. If you’ve read all this blog, bless you. 
I think you might be serious about the pursuit of justice. May we pursue righteous justice, my friends.
Think More About It
Have you had the opportunity to speak on justice? To make a righteous plea for the poor? I’d love to hear your story! How have you used your “voice” for injustice?
If this blog has blessed you, please share. I love your comments, too!
