High Road to the Narrow Gate

(Proverbs 21:3 KJV)  To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

The KJV is a bit confusing here.  It uses two English words, “justice” (righteousness NASB) (6666) and “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941) which seem to be synonyms and miss the distinction being expressed.  The words are close in meaning and in most cases the two translations agree, but there is a nuance. 

The first word has to do with the moral quality of judgment.  It means that we are to do the thing which is true and right.  The second word involves the legal aspect of judgment.  In case you have not paid attention law courts are not really concerned about truth but legality.  When you are on a jury the judge will tell you to ignore anything you might know about the subject and only consider what is brought into evidence in that court room during that trial.  This is what leads to so many of the court cases that have us laymen scratching our heads.

God is not a court in the common law system.  He is One who seeks real truth and real justice.  He expects us to seek the same standard in our behavior and attitudes.

So?  It is not enough to follow the rules.  It is not enough to be legal.  We are also called to be righteous.  Seek the high road.  You will know it because it leads to what Jesus called the narrow gate that leads to salvation.