Ethics, social

Scripture sees ethics as embracing the life of society as a whole, and not simply individual relationships.

The benefits of social ethics

Proverbs 14:34 See also 2 Samuel 23:3–4; Psalm 2:10–12; Proverbs 11:11, Proverbs 16:12, Proverbs 25:5, Proverbs 28:2, Proverbs 29:4; Isaiah 54:14

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Believers are to behave ethically in society

Praying for rulers

1 Timothy 2:1–2 See also Ezra 6:10; Psalm 20:9, Psalm 72:1

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Submitting to the authorities

Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14 See also Exodus 22:28; Deuteronomy 17:12; 1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Kings 21:10; Proverbs 24:21; Ecclesiastes 8:2; Acts 23:5; Romans 13:5; 1 Peter 2:17

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Paying taxes

Matthew 22:21 parallels Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25 See also Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:28; Nehemiah 10:32; Matthew 17:27; Romans 13:6–7

“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Specific areas of social concern

Promoting justice

Deuteronomy 16:19–20; Micah 6:8 See also Exodus 23:8; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 27:19; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:17, Isaiah 10:1, Isaiah 56:1; 1 Timothy 5:21

Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Helping the poor

Deuteronomy 15:7–9 See also Leviticus 25:35, Leviticus 25:39; Deuteronomy 24:12; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 19:21 parallels Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22; Luke 11:41, Luke 12:33; Romans 12:13; Galatians 2:10; James 2:3–4

If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Feeding the hungry

Deuteronomy 26:12 See also Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 19:9–10, Leviticus 23:22; Isaiah 58:10; Matthew 15:32 parallel Mark 8:2–3; Luke 3:11; Romans 12:20; Proverbs 25:21

When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates.

Protecting the vulnerable

Psalm 82:3–4; James 1:27 See also Exodus 22:22, Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 24:17; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 58:7; Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 22:16; Acts 20:35

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Peacemaking

Matthew 5:9 See also Proverbs 12:20; Romans 12:18, Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Showing concern for the environment

Genesis 2:15 See also Genesis 1:26–28; Leviticus 25:2–5; Nehemiah 10:31; Psalm 115:16

Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.