Proverbs 21 - Justice

August 12, 2020

Judgment #

Proverbs 21:3

Introduction

When we think of judgment, we tend to think of a judge setting on a throne, passing judgment on someone for wrong doing. While the picture is not wrong, that is a form of judgment, it is not quite complete either.

In looking at Judgment in chapter 21, it paints quite a different picture. Imagine yourself as the judge, now setting at the bench, and every day, deciding what is right and what is wrong in life. Deciding what you must do as a christian. - When you look at it in that light, it paints a very ideal picture of what judgment is.

In Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary there are 17 definitions for the word Judgment.

Judgment – 1. The faculty of the mind by which man is enabled to compare ideas and ascertain the relations of terms and propositions; ... 2. The determination of the mind, formed from comparing the relations of ideas, or the comparison of facts and arguments. In the formation of our judgments, we should be careful to weigh and compare all the facts connected with the subject. 4. The right or power of passing sentence. 5. Determination; decision. 7. In Scripture, the spirit of wisdom and prudence, enabling a person to discern right and wrong, good and evil.

Proverbs 1:1-4 – Purpose of the Proverbs...

I. Proper Judgment pleases God (Proverbs 21:3) #

Prov. 21:3 ¶ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

A. Sacrifice - #

  • Sacrifice – to offer to God in homage or worship, by killing and consuming, as victims on an altar *1828

    • Judgment would be the decision of what is right, and justice would be the action of doing right.

  • 1 Sam 15:2-3, 9, 22 describes Sauls disobedience to God.

  • There is a christian mentality that, what you do for God justifies the wrong choices, or sin in life.

    • Gambling to give money to God… God is not pleased with that.
    • Churches adopt this idea, your life doesn’t matter, just come how you are.
    • Righteous holy living is still important to God!

B. Judgment – decision #

  • You determine what is right, based on the Word of God! Not your feelings!
  • Don’t follow the crowd,

C. Justice – carrying out of the decision #

Gen. 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

  • It is a testimony of life.
  • God sees you, and knows you better than anyone!

II. Proper Judgment brings joy (Pro 21:15) #

Prov. 21:15 ¶ It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

A. Joy “It is joy to the just to do judgment” #

  • Joyful service to God…

    • God doesn’t take pleasure in service from a sense of duty!
    • 2Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
    • Voluntarily doing something for God, should not be a drudge.
    • Church attendance, visiting, offering, singing, teaching a class

  • 1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

  • Our service that we do for the Lord should NOT be grievous!

B. Judgment (condemnation) (Pro 21:15b) #

Prov. 21:15 ... but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

  • There are those who are blinded in iniquity, there are others who work iniquity.

    • It is important to separate the two.
    • Most visible in the NT, there were those following the Jewish Religion, then there where the leaders...

Prov. 21:7 ¶ The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

  • Refusing to decide what is right or wrong, is the destruction of them.
  • No evaluation of their actions, is a death sentence

III. Proper Judgment requires Evaluation! (21:28) #

Listening is required to have sound judgment

Prov. 21:28 ¶ A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

A. False witness #

  • The first part of this verse is fairly easy to understand.

  • False witness talks about people as if they were an eye witness to something, when in fact, they were not.

    • Don’t repeat what you don’t know what to be truth about someone… it is gossip!

  • It is has been said before:

  • Prov. 19:5 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

  • Prov. 19:9 ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

  • 4 priests met for a friendly gathering. “Our people come to us and pour out their hearts confessing certain sins and needs. Let’s do the same. Confession is good for the soul.”

  • 1. Confessed he liked going to bars, and drinking. 2. Confessed to smoking cigars. 3. Confessed to Gambling. 4^Th\ ^after much persuasion, gossiping!

B. Firm Testimony “heareth speaketh constantly” #

  • Heareth, - listens, attentive, pays attention
  • Constantly – firmly; steadily; invariably

“The latter thought therefore may be that the man who listens before he speaks, will speak with strength before issuing a verdict. There is great wisdom in hearing both sides of a controversy before making a judgment. A decision made after hearing both sides is a constant or enduring decision.” - The Proverbs by David Sorenson pg 203.

Tags: Preaching Outlines Proverbs Justice Judgment Evaluation Joy