The Bible has a lot to say about social justice, which is broadly defined as promoting a fair and equitable society for all people. Here is an overview of some of the major biblical themes related to social justice:
1. Caring for the poor and vulnerable
The Bible frequently instructs us to care for those less fortunate and vulnerable in society, including the poor, widows, orphans, foreigners, and others who may be marginalized or oppressed. For example:
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Jesus also modeled special concern for the poor and marginalized. He urged care for “the least of these” as a way of serving him (Matthew 25:40).
2. Seeking justice and correcting oppression
The Bible calls on God’s people to actively seek justice in society and correct oppression. We are not merely to passively care for the hurting, but to prophetically challenge unjust systems and work to change society for the better.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
The prophets often cried out against corrupt leaders and systems that exploited the poor and powerless (Amos 5:24, Isaiah 10:1-3).
3. Defending human dignity and equality
The Bible teaches that all people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and therefore have inherent dignity and value. This rules out exploitation, bigotry, and discrimination against people based on race, class, gender, or other factors.
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
In Christ, there is neither “Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
4. Pursuing economic justice
The Bible frequently warns against economic exploitation and urges fair treatment of workers. Employers are to pay fair wages on time (Deuteronomy 24:14-15, James 5:4) and to prioritize people over profits (Luke 12:15). Economic systems are to be evaluated in terms of how they affect the poor and vulnerable (Proverbs 29:7).
“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages…” (Jeremiah 22:13)
5. Promoting restorative justice
The Bible moves beyond retributive justice (punishment fitting the crime) to restorative justice. The goal is healing and restoration of relationships, not merely doling out punishment. For example, biblical law sought to make restitution to victims rather than only punish criminals (Exodus 22:1-14).
Likewise, Jesus forgave and reintegrated sinners rather than condemning them (John 8:1-11). Paul urged the Corinthian church to forgive and restore a repentant sinner rather than punish him (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).
6. Creating a just legal system
The Mosaic Law aimed to create a just legal system. For example, impartial judges were to be appointed (Deuteronomy 16:18), just trials were mandated (Deuteronomy 19:15-21), and false testimony was forbidden (Exodus 20:16). The law sought to provide equal protection for all classes of people (Exodus 12:49).
“You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19)
7. Loving our neighbors
Jesus said the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) sums up God’s law and the message of the prophets. Love prevents injustice as it moves us to act in the best interests of others, especially the vulnerable and oppressed.
Social justice thus grows out of loving each person as made in God’s image and caring about their wellbeing as we do our own. It also means loving entire communities enough to challenge injustice.
“Let love be genuine… Love one another with brotherly affection… Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)
8. Criticisms of injustice by biblical figures
The Bible depicts many examples of godly people condemning injustice and oppression. For example:
- Moses criticized his fellow Hebrews for enslaving each other despite knowing the experience of Egyptian slavery (Leviticus 25:39-43).
- The prophet Nathan confronted King David for adultery with Bathsheba and the killing of her husband (2 Samuel 12:1-15).
- Elijah confronted King Ahab for stealing a vineyard from Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-24).
- Esther spoke up to save the Jews from genocide in Persia (Esther 7:1-10).
- John the Baptist rebuked Herod for adultery (Matthew 14:3-4).
- Jesus cleansed the temple which had become a den of exploitation (Mark 11:15-17).
Standing against injustice is a central part of the biblical prophetic tradition. Christians are called to follow suit today.
9. A universal vision of social justice
The Bible’s vision of social justice extends to all nations and people groups. For example:
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Psalm 96:3)
God’s compassion and salvation reaches internationally: “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord…” (Psalm 22:27).
The prophets spoke of a day where “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Revelation envisions people from every tribe and nation worshiping God (Revelation 7:9).
10. Justice as central to God’s character
Social justice is ultimately rooted in God’s very character and heart. He is a just God who desires justice to be done for all people.
“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
“For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds…” (Psalm 11:7). He is a “righteous judge” (Psalm 7:11).
Since we are made in God’s image, we ought to reflect his heart for justice. As Cornelius Plantinga has said, “God is so much on the side of justice that the Bible sometimes equates it with salvation.” Biblical social justice means aligning ourselves with God’s passion for justice.
Objections and cautions
Some common objections or cautions about social justice include:
- Only focusing on earthly justice versus eternal salvation: Seeking social justice should serve the higher goal of glorifying God. Bringing people to salvation in Christ is the church’s priority. Justice efforts must not distract from evangelism and discipleship (though they can serve as bridges).
- Politicization: Social justice advocacy can sometimes become divisively political. Christians must seek justice with humility, grace and love for opponents, recognizing that no party fully represents God’s kingdom.
- Forced redistribution versus voluntary charity: The Bible mostly encourages voluntary, generous giving from a willing heart. Some Christians are cautious about using government coercion to enforce redistribution.
- Overlooking systemic injustice versus personal accountability: Seeking justice should not minimize the need for personal moral accountability before God.
- Focusing only on class versus ethnic injustice: Christians should combat all forms of injustice rooted in the misuse of power, whether due to class, race, gender or other factors.
Conclusion
The Bible gives believers a rich framework for pursuing justice while avoiding partisan political ideologies. Scripture balances strong advocacy with humility, grace, and recognition of human sinfulness. If rooted in God’s character and love for all people, the biblical call to “do justice” (Micah 6:8) can profoundly shape lives and societies.