Understanding the Heart of Justice and What Happens When We Lose It
“fYou shall not pervert justice. gYou shallnot show partiality, hand you shall notaccept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes ofthe wise and subverts the cause of therighteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19)
What Does “Perverting Justice” Really Mean?
Imagine justice as a level playing field where everyone gets a fair shot. When justice is “perverted,” it’s not just a fancy word—it means someone is tilting that field, making it harder for some people and easier for others, often for unfair reasons. In short, perverting justice is turning the idea of fairness upside down and letting bias or prejudice decide who gets treated well and who doesn’t.
Why Are We Talking About This Now?
Recently, a court made a big decision: it said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can decide whom to stop or detain based on things like someone’s race, accent, the language they speak, where they’re found (like at farms or day-laborer pickup spots), or what kind of work they do. This means law enforcement can use personal characteristics—rather than actual evidence—to decide who’s suspicious.
Put simply, this gives authorities more power to judge people not by what they’ve done, but by how they look, talk, or where they work. That’s a big deal, especially for people who already feel like outsiders or who have lived with fear because of how society treats them.
Why Is This a Problem?
”You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15)
The main reason: it chips away at the trust people have in the law. Laws are supposed to protect everyone equally, and when they don’t, it sends the message that some lives matter less than others. This kind of decision makes people afraid to go about their daily lives, to work, to speak freely, or even to walk down the street—just because of who they are.
This isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about real families, real jobs, and real futures. When justice is twisted, it doesn’t just hurt individuals. It damages the whole community, making us all less safe and less connected.
Where Do These Ideas Come From?
Throughout history, and in many spiritual traditions, the idea of justice is sacred—meaning it’s supposed to be pure, impartial, and untouchable. Scripture (meaning the Bible and other religious texts) is super clear: justice shouldn’t be about favoritism, bribes, or treating people differently because of their background, wealth, or status.
· Deuteronomy says: “Do not pervert justice or show partiality… do not accept a bribe.”
· Leviticus says: “Judge your neighbor fairly. Don’t show favoritism to the rich or the poor.”
· Isaiah shouts out against “unjust laws” and rules that hurt the poor and powerless.
The message: justice should never be twisted to suit anyone’s agenda—not a politician, not a judge, not anyone.
The Real-Life Impact
So what does all this mean in the everyday world? It means that people—maybe your neighbor, your coworker, or someone standing on a street corner—could be stopped or questioned just because of their skin color, their accent, or the place they’re working. This creates fear and divides, and it can tear families apart or ruin livelihoods.
The pain doesn’t stop there. It echoes through generations, making kids grow up afraid and communities lose faith in systems meant to protect them. History has seen this before, with groups singled out and hurt in the name of “law and order.” Every time it happens, it leaves scars that last.
Why Justice Is a Sacred Trust
Justice isn’t just a rule in a book or a word tossed around in courtrooms. It’s a promise—a sacred trust between people and the powers that govern them. When we let prejudice or favoritism shape the law, we break that trust. For those who look to faith for answers, the call is clear: do justice, love fairness, and stand up for those who are pushed aside.
What Can We Do?
Feeling powerless isn’t the answer. Here’s what anyone can do:
· Speak up when you see unfairness—share your thoughts, write, protest, or support those affected.
· Hold leaders accountable—ask them to explain their choices and demand fairness in the law.
· Support organizations that protect vulnerable people—immigrants, workers, the marginalized.
· Educate yourself and others about what true justice looks like—don’t let prejudice slip by unnoticed.
· If you’re a person of faith, pray and act—believe that justice, in the end, will win out.
A Final Thought: Justice That Can’t Be Bought
When justice is perverted, everyone loses—families are divided, communities lose hope, and trust falls apart. But the fight for real, unbiased, sacred justice never truly ends. History and faith both say: perverted justice does not last. The stories of the harmed and the hope for a better world keep tugging at us, reminding us to keep pushing for fairness.
May we all stand for justice that can’t be twisted or bought—a justice that lifts up the vulnerable, protects every person, and keeps society whole. When we hold on to that vision, we help make sure the river of justice flows strong, carrying healing and hope wherever it’s needed.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 