Leviticus 19:15
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Leviticus 19:15
This verse commands impartiality in judgment: do not respect the poor merely because they are poor, nor honor the mighty for their status. Righteous judgment requires equity, evidence, and truth, regardless of social position. In Israel’s courtroom culture, corruption and favoritism could pervert justice. The command seeks a standard of integrity that transcends personal bias, aligning judicial practice with God’s own righteous nature.
Justice is not a function of status but fidelity to God’s law. Theologically, it anchors social ethics in God’s character—God judges with righteousness and with mercy. Favoritism undermines covenant faithfulness and degrades human dignity.
- Build systems and training that promote impartiality in hiring, promotion, and adjudication.
- Implement checks and balances to prevent bribery and nepotism.
- Encourage leaders to model unbiased decision-making and to address status-based judgments.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 1:17; James 2:1-9; Proverbs 18:5