Just Judges

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 19:6-7

The text doesn’t require a lot of comment. It speaks clearly for itself. Jehoshaphat appointed judges throughout Judah and laid out the principles upon which they were to function as judges.

1.       They were judging for God, not man.

2.       God would be with them (we can assume he meant God would be with them as long as they were doing their job under the authority of God and His law)

3.       They were to fear the LORD.

4.       They were to take their job seriously.

5.       They were to act justly

6.       They were to show no partiality.

7.       They were not to take bribes (conflict of interests).

These seven principles should guide everyone who serves in a position where they are called on to make judgments and decisions that affect other people’s lives. Certainly, we can apply this to actual judicial officers, but in principle, it can apply to parents, teachers, pastors, company executives, and anyone who sits in judgement and has to make decisions about right and wrong, good or bad, etc.