7. Fear of the Lord. The man who has the responsibility of administering justice constantly faces the task of deciding cases, and he must do his work in recognition of the fact that the eyes of the Lord are upon him. He must constantly settle matters in dispute, and in so doing he must remember that every decision he makes is registered in the books of heaven.
No iniquity. It is a comfort to remember that the great Judge of the world is a righteous judge and therefore His every decision is true and righteous (see Deut. 32:4; Ps. 9:8; 67:4; 96:13; Rev. 19:11).
Nor respect of persons. A righteous judge decides every case on its merits rather than according to the personalities involved. Altogether too often there is “respect of persons” in the matter of rendering decisions. Personal friends are favored, and those in a position to return favors are shown special considerations. Such judgments are neither impartial nor righteous, nor do they bring the blessing of Heaven. The Lord of heaven is no respecter of persons (Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Eph. 6:9; 1 Peter 1:17), and His followers are to be like Him. The practice of flattering and favoring men of wealth and position while despising and defrauding those who are poor and humble, later brought down upon the leaders of Israel some of the most emphatic denunciations found anywhere in the writings of the prophets.
Nor taking of gifts. The justice of Heaven is not for sale, but that is not always the case with the justice of men. Decisions are often influenced by gifts. Presents are not always given from worthy motives, and favors received often anticipate favors in return. Bribery does not necessarily involve silver or gold. Many an individual in a position of trust has been bought off by accepting some seemingly innocent token. Every man faced with the responsibility of making decisions must ever be on the alert that he does not allow a gift of any nature to be the determining factor in the verdict rendered.