The Bible contains principles on justice, fairness, and mercy, which are central to discussions about criminal justice. God’s word teaches respect for laws and authority, but it also reminds us to treat others with fairness. Balancing justice with compassion, the Bible offers guidance on addressing wrongdoing while respecting each person’s dignity and worth in God’s eyes.
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What Does The Bible Say About Criminal Justice
Proverbs 21:15
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
This verse emphasizes the importance of justice in society. When the law is upheld and wrongdoers are held accountable, it brings a sense of joy to those who live righteously. However, evildoers who have committed crimes should rightfully feel terror as justice is served.
Proverbs 17:15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both.
God despises both the wrongful acquittal of the guilty and the condemnation of the innocent. True justice requires discernment, fairness, and the protection of the innocent. It is our responsibility to ensure that justice is carried out justly and without favoritism.
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
Allowing the wicked to go unpunished and compromising justice is as detrimental as drinking from a polluted well. It taints the integrity of the righteous and undermines the principles of a just society. We must stand firm and not give in to unjust influences.
Proverbs 29:26
Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
In our pursuit of justice, it is important to remember that the ultimate source of true justice is not found in human rulers or authorities. We should seek the Lord, who is the perfect judge, and trust Him to bring about justice in His perfect timing.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
This verse calls us to actively pursue justice by defending the oppressed and advocating for the rights of the marginalized. It is our duty to stand up for those who have been wronged and to plead their case, just as God Himself is a defender of the weak and vulnerable.
Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
In this verse, God exhorts His people to practice justice and righteousness. He commands them to protect the victims of oppression, to treat foreigners with fairness, and to refrain from causing harm or shedding innocent blood. God’s justice extends to all people, regardless of their social status or background.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
God’s requirements for His people include acting justly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with Him. As believers, we are called to uphold justice in our actions, demonstrate compassion towards others, and maintain a humble posture before God.
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Those who face persecution and opposition because of their commitment to doing what is right and just are blessed by God. Their reward is not only found on earth, but they also inherit the eternal kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
This verse highlights the teachings of Jesus on non-retaliation and turning the other cheek. It encourages believers to respond to evil and injustice with love, forgiveness, and grace rather than seeking revenge or perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Matthew 25:37-40
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Jesus teaches that caring for those in need, including prisoners, is an act of righteousness and a reflection of our love for Him. When we seek justice and mercy for the imprisoned, we are ministering to Christ Himself.
Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
As children of God, we are called to imitate our heavenly Father’s mercy. This includes extending mercy to those who have committed crimes, recognizing that everyone has the capacity for redemption and transformation.
Luke 23:41
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.
These words were spoken by one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus. It illustrates the concept of just punishment for crimes and acknowledges Jesus’ innocence. Even in this situation, justice was recognized and affirmed.
John 8:7
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
In this passage, Jesus challenges those who were ready to condemn a woman caught in adultery. He reminds them of their own imperfections and the need for mercy before passing judgment. This encourages us to approach criminal justice with humility and compassion.
Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
This passage admonishes believers to resist the temptation to seek revenge and instead focus on doing what is right and living at peace with others. It affirms that ultimate justice belongs to God, and He will execute it in His own time and way.
Romans 13:3-4
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Government authorities have a responsibility to maintain order and administer justice. Those who act rightly have nothing to fear from them, but wrongdoers should be aware that rulers have the authority to punish those who act unjustly.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
This verse emphasizes the principle of accountability. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in our relationship with God. Justice operates on the principle that individuals will reap what they sow.
Ephesians 4:28
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
In this verse, Paul addresses the issue of theft and calls for repentance and transformation. Rather than engaging in criminal behavior, individuals should work honestly and use their resources to help others in need. This reflects the restorative aspect of justice.
Colossians 3:25
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
This verse reassures us that God is just and impartial. Those who commit wrongdoing will receive the consequences of their actions, regardless of their social status or influence. Justice will be served without partiality.
1 Timothy 1:8-9
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers.
The law serves a crucial role in maintaining justice by addressing the actions of lawbreakers and those who rebel against God’s standards. Its purpose is not to condemn the righteous but to hold accountable those who engage in criminal behavior.
Hebrews 10:30
For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
Here, the author reaffirms that ultimate judgment belongs to God. He will repay and judge according to His perfect justice. This provides comfort and assurance that all acts of injustice will be rectified in due time.
James 2:13
Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
This verse emphasizes the importance of mercy in the administration of justice. It warns that those who do not show mercy will themselves be judged without mercy. Ultimately, mercy has the power to overcome judgment, highlighting the redemptive nature of God’s justice.
1 Peter 2:14
Or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Government officials, including governors, are entrusted with the task of dispensing justice. They have the authority to punish wrongdoers and recognize and commend those who act righteously. This verse acknowledges the role of civil authority in upholding justice.
1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
When believers face persecution or unfair treatment for standing up for what is right, they are blessed by God. This verse encourages us to stand firm in the face of intimidation, trusting in God’s justice and protection.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Love is not merely expressed through words, but also through our actions and by upholding truth. Seeking justice and acting in accordance with truth are important aspects of demonstrating love in action.