Psalm 37
"The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom (חָכְמָה), and his tongue speaks justice (מִשְׁפָּט). The Torah/instruction (תּוֹרָה) of his God is in his heart/inner self (לֵב). His steps do not slip." - Psalm 37:30-31
As Christians, we are called to communicate wisdom and speak justice. This justice is not the unconstrained version of justice--equality of results or even of opportunity. Instead this justice is the constrained version--equality of treatment. Human beings simply lack the capacity to achieve equality of results or equality of opportunity. We don't know how to do it, and every time we try great harm results.
Speaking for justice in the biblical sense is speaking up for the rule of law. It is applying the law objectively, whether the parties are rich or poor, black or white, Maori or Pakeha. That's why lady justice is blindfolded.
It is when the truths of Scripture are lodged deep within our hearts that we are able to understand what true wisdom and justice are. Wisdom and justice don't derive from biased, misleading social statistics or the latest academic fad. They derive from the mind of our Creator as communicated to us in his word.
The steps of those who have hidden God's word in their heart do not slip. Their foothold is secure. That's what enables them to speak with confidence.
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1
Father, I am speaking to two committees in Parliament today. I've never done this before. May I be full of wisdom from your word. Give me the words to say. May my feet not slip. May I communicate true wisdom and justice. Direct the hearts of our MPs as they vote. Help them to listen to the insights of the biblical worldview, for the good of our nation. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman