What Doth The Lord Require

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? —Micah 6:8 (KJV)


The Justice of God

Justice is founded in the being of God and is an extension of His holiness. God is shown to be a sure defender of the poor and the oppressed (Psalms 10:17-18; Jeremiah 9:23-24). The Psalms base justice on God’s role as the sovereign creator of the universe (Psalms 99:1-4), so the idea extends beyond the nation of Israel (Psalms 9:7-9); (Daniel 4:27). In view of God’s concern for the poor and the weak, a corresponding quality is expected from God’s people (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). When they properly carry out justice, they are agents of divine will (Isaiah 59:15-16; 2 Corinthians 9:8-10). God’s demand for justice is so central that other responses to Him are empty or diminished if they exist without it (Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 23:23). Paul (primarily in Romans) uses the language of justice to describe God’s work of salvation as he expounds the righteousness of God.

God's Justice

When the Bible refers to the justice of God it means that God is honorable in His treatment to people. All of His decisions are righteous and true. God requires that His people also deal justly in all situations of life. (Micah 6:8). God’s actions in the Bible give us the pattern by which we can make right decisions.

Justice (Major Old Testament Verses)

• Justice a part of God’s character (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 45:21)
• concerning His justice God is plenteous (Job 37:23)
• incorruptible (Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7)
• impartial (Jeremiah 32:19)
• unfailing (Zephaniah 3:5)
• undeviating (Job 8:3)

Justice (Major New Testament Verses)

• God’s justice without respect of persons (Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17)
• exhibited in:
  • forgiving sins (1 John 1:9)
  • redemption (Romans 3:26)