Measures of Justice

For Friday, March 17, 2006
Proverbs 16:11

A just balance and scales are the LORD's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.

According to the Larger Catechism, Scriptural justice requires "rendering to every one his due" and thereby refraining from all "unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor what belongs to him" (Q&A 141 and 142). The virtue of justice, moreover, extends also to our "own estate." Thomas Aquinas would add that the genuinely just person acts as a matter of "constant and perpetual will" (Summa Theologiae II-II.58.1).

In the wider context of today's proverb, dealing with kingship and rule, it is likely that "a just balance and scales" refers not simply to weights and measures within the marketplace, but stands in also for the entire carriage of justice within a society. If so, the point seems to be that when a human community, in all its various relations, is characterized by true justice, then this is a expression of God's own work, the very presence of Yahweh himself.

Few of us likely have much say in the weightier issues of monetary policy or the conduct of our court system, both of which, in any case, may lie beyond our competency. We do, nonetheless, have ample opportunity each day to render to others what is due to them, especially fellow believers: attentively listening to their needs, thanking others for their hard work, showing respect and kindness, giving generously to those in poverty, encouraging faithful diligence, praising a job well done, rebuking the errant in love, and granting responsibilities to capable individuals.

Moreover, with regard to our "own estate," we ought graciously and humbly to recognize the gifts and talents God has granted us, accept thanks from others, take up responsibilities given over to us, receive the blessings that others shower upon us, concede our own faults and shortcomings, and share in the joys and sorrows of those around us.

In all these ways, we are knit together in Christ as the people of God and bring God's blessing to our wider communities. When we weigh ourselves and our relationships in justice, we liberally measure out the gracious presence of God.

A Kingly Oracle

For Thursday, March 16, 2006
Proverbs 16:10

An oracle is on the lips of a king;
his mouth does not sin in judgment.

From time to time we all find ourselves in a position of authority where we have to form a judgment, discerning the best way forward or settling a dispute: parents with children, teachers with students, managers with employees, pastors with parishoners. And we wonder how our decision will be received. With reluctance or begrudingly? Or might it be rejected entirely?

Today's proverb suggests that a wise leader will speak judgment without sin and, in doing so, his word will be received as if it were an oracle from God. Matthew Henry suggests, therefore, that the proverb can be taken as both precept and promise.

As a precept, it exhorts all who lead to seek God's will, cultivating wisdom and prudence, in order that they may truly be recognized as God's appointed servants for good and their word received in good faith as the very leading of God.

As a promise, the proverb assures leaders that, if they inquire diligently of the Lord, relying upon his wisdom and counsel, he will grant them whatever guidance they need to carry out their duties effectively and without sin.

The Lord Jesus Christ is, in these respects, a true King, for only he embodies this proverb perfectly - discerning all things without sin and whose every word remains an oracle from God. As we lead others in our various callings, we should seek to be like our Lord who ruled by becoming the servant of all. And in so doing, may we more and more be leaders worthy of those whom God has placed into our care.

Established Steps

For Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.

Such words should be of great comfort to believers. It is comforting to know that however foolish my plans may be, ultimately the Lord will establish my steps to lead me to him. My heart always seems right to me, and yet will always lead me astray if not for the Holy Spirit. Many of my "wise" plans have met brick walls because God has graciously placed them in the way; many of my steps have led through unplanned paths bringing me to places I never could have reached left to my own devices. And many steps led me from the dangers of my plans.

What peace it is to know as I wrestle over my plans that God will be faithful in carrying out his plans for me despite the choices I make. The result is that there is no wasted past; indeed there is not wasted time at all; for God has established my steps to take me through trials (even those caused by my sinful plans) and lead me to his glory.

- written by D. Marion Clark

Wealth of Righteousness

For Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Proverbs 16:8

Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice.

This is proverb that everyone honors but few actually live by. But consider the wealth of righteousness.

There is the wealth of a good conscious before the Lord, which brings great peace.

There is the wealth of a good name and peaceful relations with one's neighbors.

There is the wealth of enjoying truly what one possesses.

There is the wealth of knowing and valuing what is of true value.

There is the wealth of time well spent.

There is the wealth of no regret.

There is the wealth of receiving the inheritance of everlasting life with the Lord.

Not a bad deal!

- written by D. Marion Clark

Peace with Enemies

For Monday, March 13, 2006

When a man's ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

We are quick to assert that being obedient to the Lord will bring persecution by the world. Certainly there is much truch to that. But it is also true that pleasing the Lord leads to peace. Christ commands us to love our neighbor, even to love our enemy. He commands us to turn the other cheek, to give freely to those who would take. He commands us to bless our enemies and not to respond to evil with evil. Such pleasing ways would bring much peace.

We would win peace if we reacted to hostility from our own status of having peace with God; we would win peace if we spoke and acted out of the grace that God has shown us. We would peace if we shared the heart of God for the souls of others. Consider the peace with our neighbors if we made their welfare our concern, if we strove to be good neighbors to everyone.

If we are honest with ourselves, much of our so-called persecution is the result of our own self-righteousness. Much of our so-called righteous anger has more to do with feeling personally offended. If we acted with patience and wisdom, and not out of stress or defensiveness, consider the peace to which we could win many of God's enemies to the gospel.

- written by D. Marion Clark