Proverbs 24:23
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These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
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Respect of persons in judgment is a horrible evil. Wise men will not do it, no matter how moving the relationship or temptation. They will not protect or vindicate a wicked person; they will rebuke him. God and men rejoice and bless such a faithful man. They curse and abhor the man who compromises judgment and excuses or justifies sinners.
Solomon accumulated precepts of wisdom for his son (24:21), so he adds another matter belonging to wise men. They will be scrupulously fair in judging others, without showing any partiality or respect due to relationship, status, or persons. Man's nature tends to compromise for persons and advantage, so the rule is good. See the comments on 28:21.
As a king instructing a prince, the proverb applies first to civil judgment. Citizens are expected to strictly obey the king and reject any efforts at rebellion (24:21-22). But here Solomon adds the responsibility of kings and magistrates to judge fairly, for God has put moral limitations on their authority in consequence of their office. But the wise rule also applies to all matters of judgment, from the home to the church and office.
The foolish error is justifying or excusing the wicked rather than reproving them. And the consequences of good or bad judgment are shown to be significant (24:24-25). A man exonerating the wicked shall be cursed and abhorred; a man reproving them will be the delight of men and receive the blessing of God. Here is a commandment with promise.
Reader, you must choose to be perfectly just in all your dealings. The Word of God defines justice, without any compromise for human affection, honor, sentimentality, or tradition. God's truth and wisdom must be applied equally in all cases. Here is wisdom, for it is fools who allow fear, hate, love, respect, or sloth to cloud and distort judgment.
Parent, are you just in judging your children? Are foolish and wicked children rebuked? Or do you protect sinners in the family? Two things will happen - your family will despise you for your compromise and God will judge you. It should be your high goal to be absolutely righteous and earn the delight of your family and the blessing of God. If you let sentimentality cloud your judgment, you are undermining your family's future.
Employer or manager, are you known at the office for total fairness in all your dealings? Can all men count on your justice to be totally impartial and equitable? Paul would say, "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven" (Col 4:1). Here is a job duty from heaven for you to obey.
Pastor, are you clear of all partiality in using your office? Paul also warned, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" (I Tim 2:21). Do you apply the whole counsel of God equally to all members without discrimination?
Saint, are you totally righteous in all your opinions and judgments of others? Jesus said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Do you hate some sins and sinners more than others? Does God have the same value system, or have you made up your own? Fairly judge every man by God's standards alone. And let your reputation be known by all men to be just and honest without exception.
Authority and all judgment must be exercised as unto the Lord, for He is the Judge of all. His will regarding equity and righteousness has been revealed clearly in the Bible. It is not the lack of understanding that causes most human compromise, but rather the unwillingness to stand firmly on Scripture alone. Let God be true!
What a blessing to have Jesus Christ of Nazareth as our heavenly Judge! He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (I John 1:9). He is the only faithful and true witness (Rev 3:14). His character and judgment are so perfectly righteous that His names are Faithful and True (Rev 19:11). Dear reader, you may put your trust in Him! Expose yourself completely to Him today in humble confession and repentance. He will be gracious, for an infinite price has already been paid, which He shall never forget or minimize. Glory!
Because there is no respect of persons with Him (Rom 2:11), let every sinner dread the day of His coming! He shall come with His mighty angels in vengeance and flaming fire to destroy all who disobey Him (II Thess 1:7-9). You will receive the full punishment for your sins, even everlasting destruction from His presence! Amen!
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