The Corruption of Justice: A Call to Righteousness in a World of Deceit
"¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up." - Micah 7:3
Micah 7:3 presents us with a troubling scenario: "That they may do evil with both hands earnestly; the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up" (KJV). As we meditate on this passage, we must confront the stark realities of corruption that pervade not only the world but, unfortunately, even our institutions designed to uphold justice. This verse draws attention to a grievous condition where people in positions of power—the prince, the judge, and the 'great man'—actively engage in wrongdoing, driven by self-interest and greed.
Micah's prophetic words ring with a sense of urgency as he describes a society where justice is not only absent but deliberately subverted. The imagery of doing evil “with both hands earnestly” is alarming. It suggests a concerted and deliberate effort to commit wrongdoing. In our own lives, we may not be princes or judges, but we can still see this kind of corruption reflected in our workplaces, communities, and even our personal interactions. This discord reminds us that corruption often flourishes when those entrusted with authority manipulate their power for personal gain.
In a world where such disparities exist, it is easy to despair. The question arises: where is the justice? How do we navigate in a landscape where even those who should be advocates for righteousness become instruments of wrongdoing?
Yet, this devotional does not linger solely in the darkness of despair. Instead, it invites us to reflect on our own call to righteousness amidst such corruption. While the prince and the judge may have chosen their paths, Micah’s message beckons believers to rise above the moral decay that surrounds us. We are called to reflect Christ’s light into shadowy places, embodying truth and integrity in our daily interactions.
The societal issues Micah alludes to are not new. Throughout history, the faithful have wrestled with the betrayal of justice. The Bible continuously provides examples of leaders who falter. King David himself fell prey to sin, using his power to commit adultery and murder. However, David’s repentance and return to God remind us of the grace available and the need for humility in leadership. We are called to be not merely critics of the evils of others but also champions of righteousness in our spheres of influence.
Moreover, the heart of Micah’s lament reveals a deep longing for restoration and righteousness—a longing that echoes in our hearts today. As we witness the abundance of corruption and self-serving behavior, let us not react with cynicism but rather with intercessory prayer, seeking God’s intervention in our world’s affairs. When we pray for our leaders, asking God to guide them toward integrity, we align ourselves with God's redemptive work.
It is essential to remember that while the corruption of leaders can seem overwhelming, the ultimate authority rests with God. He is the Judge of all the earth, who will not overlook injustice. In the end, His justice will prevail. Therefore, we must hold fast to hope, trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty and righteousness. In times of increasing darkness, let us shine brightly, echoing Micah’s commitment to holiness despite the actions of those around us.
As we engage with this text, let us consider how we can stand against the tide of corruption in our own lives. How can we be advocates for honesty, integrity, and justice in our homes, workplaces, and communities? How can we, like Micah, speak out against wrongdoing—seeking not merely to condemn but also to encourage others toward godliness?
Ultimately, Micah 7:3 is a stark reminder of our world’s imperfections but also a call to action. We are not helpless bystanders; we are empowered by the Spirit of God to influence our lives and communities toward righteousness. Let each day be an opportunity to embody the virtues we wish to see in the world—mercy, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to truth—knowing that while evil may prosper for a time, righteousness will prevail.
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Micah 7:3 Artwork
Micah 7:3 - "¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up."
"¶ That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up." - Micah 7:3
Micah 3:7 - "Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God."
Micah 7:17
"Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God." - Micah 3:7
Micah 3:10 - "They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity."
Micah 7:7 - "Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."
Micah 7:11 - "In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed."
Micah 7:13 - "Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings."
Micah 7:15 - "According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things."
Micah 7:16 - "¶ The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf."
"They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity." - Micah 3:10
Micah 1:3 - "For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth."
Micah 7:5 - "¶ Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom."
Micah 3:12 - "Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest."
Micah 3:1 - "And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?"
Micah 3:9 - "Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity."
Micah 7:20 - "Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old."
Micah 5:7 - "And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men."
Micah 7:1 - "Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit."
Micah 3:8 - "¶ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin."
Micah 7:4 - "The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity."
Micah 7:2 - "The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net."
Micah 2:7 - "¶ O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?"
Micah 6:3 - "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me."
Micah 7:19 - "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
"He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." - Micah 7:19
"In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed." - Micah 7:11
Micah 7:8 - "¶ Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me."
Micah 7:17 - "They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee."