Discerning Thoughts: #3 JUST

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just^G1342 ... think on these things. "

I've often wondered about the origination of the Greek heroes and idols' stories. While studying the Greek concepts and seeing their relationship to the Greek stories, one must wonder if the creation of the stories were made up to teach these concepts to the children. One concept example is the Grecian word for "just ": δίκαιος [dikaios].

In the Greek myth, the personification of "just " (Dike', cf. to NT's Greek δίκαιος listed as Strong's #G1342), was "a daughter " of Zeus king of the "gods " and his consort Themis (goddess of divine law). Dike' was representative of human laws and was joined in work with two sisters, Eirene (goddess of Peace) and Eunomia (goddess of "order " or "good " law[i]). As one has commented, both "society justice " [dike'] had to be maintained and "peace assured " [eirene] for order [eu-nomia] to exist.[ii] Dike watched the deeds of man and lamented before Zeus whenever a judge violated justice. She was the enemy of all falsehood and a protectress of administration of justice. She is often called the counselor of Zeus. In the Greek theater of Sophocles and Euripides, Dike' ("Justice") is a divinity [idol] that severely punishes all wrong and pierces the hearts of the unjust with a sword while rewarding virtue. She is pictured on an artifact as dragging A-Dike' ( "A "- [ "Not ", hence, “In-”] justice) with one hand and beating her with a staff with the other hand. [iii]

The justice in a Christian's mind, however, does not imitate Dive's meting out personal vengeance for oneself, but rather it is for us to stand aside and let God do the punishing. Romans 12:19 (BBE), "Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord." Ours is to "Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you" (Matthew 5:44b, BBE).

The statute goddess, Lady Justice, is based upon both Dike and Themis. Images that are based on Themis hold a sword. Dike did not have a sword. The idea of blind justice is a modern idea, and the blindfold is a recent addition.

The KJV translates δίκαιος^G1342 as righteous, just, right, and meet. Thayer's Greek Definitions tells us the adjective "just " (dikaios^G1342) means "upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God and in a judicial sense, passing just judgment. " Strong's is "equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)."

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, "JUST " (dikaios^G1342) was customarily used of persons observing customs, rules, and right, especially in duties to gods and men. "Just " is "righteous ", a state of being right, right conduct, judged so by Divine or human standards of what is right. God is "just " which means His nature and acts are in perfect harmony and is a standard for all men. Interestingly, the original spelling of our English word "righteous " was "rightwise ", i.e., "in the straight way. "

"Just " is used in the NT relating to God, Christ, men and things. Since we are commanded to think upon things that are "just ", then what does the Bible say about these things?

"Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth ... " They were righteous due of their devoted lives to God. Think about the lives of the faithful.

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just. " Correct judgment. Think of the guidance given by our Savior.

To the laborers of the vineyard: "And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. " A fair and honest pay for labor. We should treat others as we expect to be treated.

Settling compensation. "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? " A fair and honest settlement. Think of equitable decisions.

Think of the Discretion of what is reasonable. "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. "

Think of correct Behavior of Children to their Parents. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. " Think of correct relationships.

Suitable thinking. "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all "

Right treatment of workers. "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven "
2 Thessalonians 1:6,

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. " Consider the nature of God's judgment.

Differentiate deeds. "And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. " Think of deeds that please God.

Revelation 15:3b,
"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. " Think upon the ways of God for our journey.

"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. " The Law of God is what is right. Think and meditate upon what is written.

RIGHTEOUSNESS CHANGED WITH THE LAW CHANGE. Jesus told John the Baptist to baptize him because we must do (fulfil) all righteousness. "But Jesus made answer, saying to him, Let it be so now: because so it is right for us to make righteousness complete. Then he gave him baptism " (Matthew 3:15, BBE). Now John was one of God's prophets. He spoke the ways of God that were preparing for the prophesied Kingdom. His baptism was new and different but was added to the Temple (OT) covenant that was still in effect. Jesus came to fulfil the Law. To Jesus the baptism requirement was just as binding as the Law. However, both were nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-16).

But the New Testament baptism is new but now authorized by Jesus in His Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16). Consequently, those baptized by John's baptism after the cross and commencement of the New Covenant were subject now to the righteousness of the New Covenant (Acts 19:1-5) and therefore had to be baptized by Jesus' authorized baptism. So what Jesus said about John's baptism can now be said about Jesus' baptism. It is included now in requirements for us to make righteousness "complete. "

"Be anxious for nothing." The protection from anxiety is in the mind. 1. Think of the true. 2. Think of things respectful. 3. Think of the just. Number 3 involves the following. Think about the lives of the faithful and their teachings. Respect the authorized things of our Savior. Apply the golden rule. Always put God first in your planning. Respect our relationships. Study the Word for the ways to please God.

[i] I could not find this Greek word Eu-nomia [good law] used in the New Testament for "order ". However, simply law (nomos^G3551) is in at least 390+ verses in both LXX (OT) and the New Testament. Peace (Eirene^G1515) is used 311 verses in LXX and NT.

[iii] Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.