Deuteronomy 16:18–20; 19:14–20; 25:13–16

Explore the Bible 
Professor of Christian Studies, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Be Honest and Fair
Deuteronomy 16:18–20; 19:14–20; 25:13–16

Most adults would agree that people ought to treat one another honestly and fairly. However, treating another person as one wants to be treated can be difficult at times. For example, treating another person honestly and fairly may come at a price to oneself. Or the feeling may arise that the other person would not appreciate honest and fair treatment or act similarly if the situation were reversed. Such possibilities can evoke the temptation to look out for oneself and take advantage of others. God expects His people to always treat others with honesty and fairness, regardless of the circumstances.

Expect Justice for All From All (16:18–20)
At Mount Sinai, Moses had appointed leaders to assist him with the administration of the people (Deut. 1:13–14). Here, on the plains of Moab, he directed that this important duty continue in each city. “Judges” were those who adjudicated cases by applying the law, while “officers” were subordinates who kept official records, advised the judges and carried out the judges’ decisions. 

Most importantly, the judges and officers were to be men of character. Their verdicts were to conform to the righteous standards set forth by God’s word. They were not to twist the law and so to pervert justice. They were to treat each person as if they had no prior knowledge of the individual. Accepting a bribe would blind and twist their ability to act in fairness to the parties in litigation. 

The Israelites were instructed to appoint judicial officials who would always pursue justice and decide cases rightly without showing favoritism to anyone. Christians can work to help create a just society by installing and supporting godly community leaders who will treat all citizens justly.

Respect Your Neighbor’s Stuff (19:14)
“Boundary markers” were used to designate the limit of one’s property. Usually they were stones bearing inscriptions identifying the property’s owner. Moving a neighbor’s boundary stone was equivalent to stealing his property. Christians can demonstrate their personal commitment to honesty and fairness by always respecting others’ possessions.

Tell the Whole Truth and Nothing but (19:15–20)
Every system of justice depends on knowing and speaking the truth. To give false witness is to break God’s commandment (Ex. 20:16; Deut. 5:20). To prevent false testimony, God gave the principle that two or three witnesses were required to convict a person of a crime. This principle was a safeguard against anyone bringing an untruthful charge against someone because of a quarrel or some other impure motive.  

In cases where there was only one witness, both the accused and the witness would go to a central tribunal of priests and judges for trial. If investigation found the witness false, then he would receive the same punishment the accused would have received if he were guilty. This law would serve as a deterrent against giving false testimony in court. Christians are to embody truthfulness in all their relationships and, when called upon to testify about others, never to lie or intentionally hide the truth.

Do Business With Integrity (25:13–16)
In the ancient Middle Eastern world, commerce was conducted by the use of weights and measures. Honest weights and measures were essential to the public good.   

Dishonest weights and measures were used in buying and selling. When buying, a dishonest merchant would use a heavy weight so he would receive more than he should. When selling, he would use a light weight, marked the same as a heavy weight, so that he gave less than he should. Moses declared that those who disobeyed this law would not live long in the promised  land. Today Christians help build a stable community when they set the standard in always conducting their business transactions with biblical integrity.