It’s not fair: Understanding True Justice
“It’s not fair!” This is a common cry from those who feel cheated, disappointed that things haven’t gone their way. We hear it in families, courtrooms, athletic competitions, business dealings – everywhere! Even the prophet Ezekiel heard it from the people of his day. Reacting to Ezekiel’s message about God’s judgment, they lamented what they perceived as injustice (Ezekiel 18).
Their protest reveals a human tendency: we often define right and wrong based on our personal experiences. But how can justice prevail if personal satisfaction is the sole measure? A “me-first” mentality cannot be the foundation for fair and equitable treatment.
This is why God, who grants us life and free will, also provides a standard for justice – His law, exemplified in the Ten Commandments. Subjective, personal standards cannot define absolute truth. True justice can only be achieved through God’s objective and holy standards.
This principle is woven throughout Scripture. Faithful individuals like Noah (Genesis 6), Deborah (Judges 4), and Daniel (Daniel 1) lived according to God’s standards, not the flawed norms of their cultures. Conversely, moral failures often stemmed from people setting their own standards, as seen in Korah (Numbers 16), Samson (Judges 13-16), and Jezebel (1 Kings 19, 21).
Ultimately, we are all accountable to God for our choices. Ezekiel presents three case studies to illustrate this:
- The Righteous Person: Someone who lives justly and serves others (Ezekiel 18:5-9). While few in Judah fit this description, King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:1-2) and the prophetess Huldah (2 Chronicles 34:21-22) stand out as examples of relative righteousness.
- The Wicked Offspring: A person born to righteous parents who chooses a life of wickedness (Ezekiel 18:14-18). Sadly, many in Judah fell into this category, including Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-2).
- The Righteous Offspring: A person born to wicked parents who chooses a life of righteousness (Ezekiel 18:14-18). Though rare, Manasseh’s grandson, Josiah (son of Amon), exemplifies this (2 Chronicles 34:1-2).
If our primary goal is to have things go our way, life will often seem unfair. But if we genuinely seek justice, we must submit to objective standards that ensure it. Even in the secular world, we see this in principled judges, unbiased referees, and regulators who uphold the law.
Ultimately, God has established the perfect standards of justice and love. By aligning our lives with His ways, we pursue true fairness and goodness for all. Let us remember His words in Ezekiel 18:32:
“Turn to me and live.”
Thank you.
