In the world, among many democracies, criminals, lawbreakers, and the corrupt are elected to be leaders of many nations. Young Elihu asked a valid question: Can someone who hates justice govern? (Job 34:17) This is a relevant question that could be asked in many institutions and governments today. Sadly, even Christian organizations, local churches, and denominations face a crisis of Godly leadership. Lack of knowledge and respect for God’s holiness, righteousness, and justice leads to incompetent, authoritarian, dictatorial governments.
Justice as wormwood
When people who hate justice govern, they will deliver their version of justice to people, which is wormwood. (Amos 5:7) The justice they dispensed was bitter, deadly, and harmful. Instead of loving justice, they hated justice and lost the qualification to govern by God’s high standards. Sadly, many nations are burdened with leaders who hate equality, liberty, justice, and freedom. Also, many religions deprive people of their rights to justice, making the rulers divine.
A culture that denies justice
The honor and shame culture practices in many nations deprive people of justice. Truth and righteousness are simply removed or deleted from their thoughts and actions. External reputation is more important; hence, they remain like whitewashed tombs with inner moral decay.
Righteousness exalts
Righteousness exalts a nation. (Proverbs 14:34) When there is liberty, fraternity, equality, and justice, that nation excels in righteousness. For a disciple, the Kingdom of God and the values of Righteousness are priorities in life. (Matthew 6:33)
Losing authority
If a person who governs disregards God and the Law, the people will not respect that ruler. Leaders lose their moral authority to guide, lead, and hold people accountable. There would be disrespect, disobedience, and rebellion that would create anarchy and chaos.
Hate judgement
The word used by Elihu for justice also means judgment. Sinners, criminals, wicked, and evil people hate judgment. When God’s judgment comes upon them, it will be a terrible thing to fall into the hands of God. (Hebrews 10:31) God is not partial in His judgments. The wicked hate God’s judgments.
Do I love justice and righteousness?