Micah 7:3

That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Micah 7:3 (KJV)

Context

Micah 7:3 sits within the prophet’s lament over the moral collapse of Israel. The preceding verse mourns that the godly have perished and none are upright; the following verse compares even the best to a brier and a thorn hedge. This verse exposes the corruption that has replaced righteousness.

Meaning

The verse pictures evil pursued with both hands earnestly—wickedness done with strenuous, deliberate effort. Three classes of leaders are named: the prince asks, likely demanding gifts; the judge asks for a reward, openly seeking bribes; and the great man utters his mischievous desire, voicing his harmful intent. The final phrase, “so they wrap it up,” suggests they weave their schemes together in coordinated conspiracy. The Hebrew imagery of weaving or plaiting shows deliberate collusion, not random sin. This stands in stark contrast to the zeal that should be directed toward doing good, and it serves as a specific example of the general moral decay described in the surrounding verses.

Application

Believers are called to examine their own hands—are they eager to do good, or complicit in evil? The verse challenges us to resist the pull of corrupt systems and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, trusting that He sees and will judge righteously. It also warns against the love of money and the abuse of power, urging Christians to pursue integrity in every sphere of life.

Reflection

In a world where injustice often seems woven together, this verse reminds us that God’s people are to be salt and light, pursuing good with the same earnestness that the corrupt use for evil. The call to examine our own hands is a sobering reminder of the reality of sin in human institutions and the need for a Savior who judges righteously.