Fair?? I sometimes experience a gag reflex when I hear this word in a political context.
One dictionary provides TEN definitions of the word ‘fair’; only one definition worth considering: free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice
I suggest we narrow the focus a bit from the broad-spectrum definitions of ‘fair’ and think instead on a very precise definition, the definition of ‘justice’.
Now, this focus on ‘justice’ is not to be misconstrued as the brand of justice witnessed in courts of law where justice and courts-of-law tend to be oxymoronic. Is my viewpoint Biblical? Read for yourself Matthew 5:25-26.
So, what is justice? Justice defined: the quality of being just;
righteousness, fairness, or moral rightness
In the 21st century lexicon, fairness is a socialist ideal that demands everyone receive the same rewards and benefits, regardless personal productivity.
Modern English Bibles like the NLT and the TLB use the words fair and fairness, but such translations do not put forth the Biblical concept of ‘just’ and ‘justice’.
Because God is just, he never shows partiality or favoritism and therefore does not practice fairness.
Fairness is an expression of equality or inequality among persons. Justice is an expression of merit or demerit of a person with respect to God himself. This is why courtroom justice which is based on human opinions is not the same as God’s just nature which is immutable and eternal.
John White
Rockwall, Texas
