Proverbs – On Protecting Human Rights

The ancient book of Proverbs provides important wisdom for today’s persecuted Christians.

According to Proverbs, it is the responsibility of God’s people to protect and safeguard the rights of individuals.

• • • Proverbs strongly affirms human rights and requires their protection. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells rulers to stand up for the rights of the destitute, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.
    • Proverbs 31:4–5 likewise warns authorities to abstain from alcohol “lest they drink and forget what has been determined and corrupt the rights of all the afflicted.”

But what rights do these Proverbs refer to?

The Old Testament is loaded with guidance on how society is required to treat its poorest, most helpless member.  For example:

• • • Foreigners, widows and orphans – society’s weakest members – should not be legally or financially oppressed. Deuteronomy 24:17 (“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”)
    • The same people should be provided enough to eat. Deuteronomy 14:28–29.
    • Those who have fallen into financial hardship should be given opportunity for a fresh start. The Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:1–17) are examples of this.
    • The poor should not be financially oppressed. Leviticus 25:35–37.

Compassion is the claim that the weaker members of society have on the stronger for practical help, defense, and justice. These are rights instituted by God and possessed by all who are created in His image.

See also

MorePractices

Persecution Is a Reaction to The Gospel’s Message

July 25, 2023·0

The Proverbs’ teaching on human rights means two things for persecuted Christians.

First, it means believers may – and should – speak out in protest on behalf of oppressed Christians and others who cannot speak for themselves.  Here again, Proverbs provides more guidance: “With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.”  (Proverbs 25:15)

Second, it means believers must care for Christians and others deprived of their rights.  The New Testament epistle of James echoes the Proverbs:  “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)

In the midst of persecution and oppression, Christians’ compassion for one another and for others provides a very powerful witness before a watching society.