“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law. It contains the final instructions of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses emphasises the importance of impartiality in the administration of justice.
Upholding Justice:The verse begins with the command, “Thou shalt not wrest judgment.” This means that the Israelites were to ensure that justice was not perverted or distorted in any way. God wanted them to administer judgment honestly, without any bias or corruption.
Impartiality:The verse continues with the instruction, “Thou shalt not respect persons.” This means that the judges or those in positions of authority should not show favouritism or be influenced by a person’s status, wealth, or position. God desires that justice be blind to external factors and that everyone be treated fairly and equally.
Rejecting Bribes:The verse goes on to say, “neither take a gift.” In ancient times, it was common for people to offer bribes to sway the judgment in their favour. However, God strictly forbids the Israelites from accepting such gifts. Bribes can blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the words of the righteous, leading to injustice and undermining the integrity of the judicial system.
Consequences of Bias:The verse concludes with the reason behind this command: “for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” This highlights the detrimental effects of partiality and bribery. Accepting gifts can cloud the judgment of even the most wise and righteous individuals, compromising their ability to render fair decisions.
Application:Though this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites in the context of their legal system, the principles behind it are still relevant today. God values justice, fairness, and impartiality. As followers of God, we should strive for integrity and impartiality in our own lives, whether we are in positions of authority or not. We should avoid favouritism, corruption, and bribery in all aspects of our lives.
Jesus’ Teaching:In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the importance of justice and impartiality. In Matthew 22:16-21, Jesus teaches that we should give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God, emphasising the separation of worldly and spiritual matters. He also highlights the importance of showing mercy and not neglecting justice (Matthew 23:23).
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 16:19 reminds us of the importance of upholding justice, rejecting partiality, and avoiding corruption. It encourages us to seek fairness and impartiality in our actions, just as God desires. By following these principles, we can promote justice and righteousness in our communities and reflect God’s character.
