Affirming, not Affirmative

(Proverbs 24:23 KJV)  These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

The KJV is more literal here but still is not completely literal.  The “partiality” of the NASB and the “respect (5235) of persons (6440)” of the KJV literally means “recognize the face”.  This kind of thinking is at the basis of American principle that we are to be a nation with the rule of law.  That law is to be applied evenly, without respect of person or status.  It is why the statue of justice wears a blindfold and holds a balance scale.

Our culture is abandoning this.  When we have such things as affirmative action and quotas we see that it is not the facts of the specific situation that are being considered but the attempt to advance a specially selected group, one who’s face is regarded.

So?  This is another trait of our culture we must reject if we want to walk with Jesus.  We cannot give special treatment to people based on our personal preferences.  Right is right and wrong is wrong.  They are not a color, a gender or a political party.  Walk in righteousness.