Flavor #17:  Justice (Mishpat; Dike)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence and Significance: Justice, explained by the Hebrew term Mishpat, embodies fairness, equity, and the proper administration of principles and law. It encompasses the entire judicial process: from establishing laws to executing judgments and reflects a societal commitment to righteousness and impartiality. In Greek thought, Dike represents justice as moral order and fair judgment, especially when it comes to our interactions with other human beings. Both concepts underscore the importance of aligning our human conduct with ethical standards and ensuring others receive what is rightfully due, per a value system that’s hopefully influenced by the positive characteristics and traits of a loving God.

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: In daily life, justice manifests through actions and decisions that promote fairness and equality. It involves advocating for the rights of others, working to deliver unbiased treatment, and amending or correcting wrongs done to others. The “nutritional value” of justice lies in its capacity to create trust, harmony in society, and a sense of security within communities. A fundamental goal of wisdom is to protect the dispossessed, voiceless, and to alleviate the suffering (mercy) of those can’t accomplish this without help and assistance.  

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “It goes without saying that the fatherless, homeless, voiceless, hurting, and those who suffer need this seasoning from me.  Wise living motivates me to use my skills, resources and energy to be the hands of God who reflects the heart of God, by helping God’s people (my ‘neighbor,’ the person in closest proximity to me) as best as I’m able.  This ability to ‘love my neighbor’ is hard-wired in my conscience; it’s triggered toward action because of my daily prayer: ‘God, help me to see people as you see them.’” 

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.