Bias and Impartiality

(Proverbs 28:21 KJV)  To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

Proverbs is loaded with examples of what we would call “respect of persons” (partiality NASB) (5234/6440) which are listed as requirements not given as examples of sin.  For example,

(Proverbs 27:10 KJV)  Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Or take the examples in the law where other Israelites are to be treated differently than foreigners.  Obviously there are times when we must make decisions and choices.  At other times were are to be totally unbiased.  Which is which?

The key is in the actual Hebrew.  Their concept is, as the KJV says, being a respecter of persons.  It means to consider their face and give them special treatment because of their class or power.  The call is to the rule of law.  It is a foundation for justice. 

So?  While a citizen might have certain rights that a foreigner would not, the law is to be blind to their persons when it comes to following the law.  We are to love everyone and treat them as creations of God but at the same time realize that we are not to throw our pearls before swine.  It requires some thinking.