Defending Truth vs. Defending Personal Interests by Olukayode J Daniels

Defending Truth vs. Defending Personal Interests

In today's world, many people prioritize relationships and personal benefits over standing for truth and righteousness. However, the Bible warns against partiality, injustice, and self-centered defense.

1. The Decline of True Justice

• Isaiah 59:14-15 – "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."
  → This describes a time when truth is abandoned and those who stand for righteousness are attacked.

• Micah 7:3 – "That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up."
  → Leaders and influencers often protect their own interests rather than defend what is right.

2. Defending People Over Principles

• Proverbs 24:23-24 – "These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him."
  → Favored treatment in judgment leads to widespread injustice and societal decay.

• Leviticus 19:15 – "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour."
  → God commands fairness—justice should not be based on status, personal benefits, or relationships.

3. The Example of Jesus and the Apostles

• Matthew 22:16 – "And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men."
  → Jesus was not influenced by who people were; He always spoke the truth.

• Galatians 2:11-14 – "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed... But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all... "
  → Paul rebuked Peter publicly for compromising truth to please certain people. This shows that even leaders should be held accountable when they err.

4. The Danger of Defending Personal Interests

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
  → Many defend what suits their desires instead of standing for the truth.

• James 2:1-4 – "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment... Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and have become judges of evil thoughts?"
  → Favoreditism is condemned because it leads to biased decisions.

Conclusion

Instead of defending people based on personal gain, believers are called to stand for righteousness and truth. The fear of God, rather than personal interests, should guide our judgments.