Definition: Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] Godâs: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 1:17. It’s a really important message about how we should treat everyone, no matter who they are or how powerful they seem. Here's the explanation in plain language: Essentially, this verse is saying: “Don’t be afraid of anyone, big or small, and don’t judge people based on their power or how difficult things seem to you.” Let’s unpack it a little more: "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment..." – This means we shouldn't treat others unfairly when we have the chance to make a decision. We shouldn’t be quick to judge someone based on their actions or words, even if they seem bad. It's about fairness and being kind. "...[but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great..." – This is a key part. It means we must listen to everyone, even those who seem insignificant or less important. Don’t dismiss someone just because they don't have much power or influence. Every voice deserves to be heard. "...ye shall not be afraid of the face of man..." – This is a powerful warning. It means we shouldn’t let our anger, judgment, or fear of others control us. We need to remain calm and peaceful even when someone is being difficult or unfair. It's about not letting negativity cloud our judgment. "...for the judgment [is] God’s..." – This is really important! It means that God has a plan for everything, and that judgment comes from God. God isn’t just punishing people; He is actively working to bring justice and fairness. "...and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it." – This is where it gets really profound. It means we should share our problems or difficulties with God, not keep them bottled up inside. We're asking God to take responsibility for resolving these issues. But, crucially, we don’t need to solve everything on our own. Instead, we offer our concerns to Him and trust that He will handle it in a way that is just and right. In short, the verse encourages us to be tolerant, compassionate, and open-minded – treating everyone with respect regardless of their status or challenges. It’s about humility and recognizing that God has a plan for everything, even when it seems overwhelming. Why is this important? It's based on the idea that God is just and righteous. If we don't treat others fairly, it undermines His authority and justice. It also suggests that God wants us to be involved in the resolution of problems and challenges in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to apply this principle in your own life?