Calling the Wicked _Righteous_
These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him the people will curse; nations will abhor him. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them (Pr. 24:23-25).
First, we should ask, “Why do people show partiality in judgment, allowing evil to prevail?” If a person is not guilty of that same corruption, then likely he has friends or family members who partake of the sin. Suppose a couple has been married for forty years and has never even considered a divorce. Yet they willingly tolerate one who unscripturally divorces and marries another. Why? The answer is that the guilty party is a family member or a close friend. So, he acts as though the transgressor is righteous when he marries again. Therefore, a person’s view on a matter may not depend on what the Scriptures teach but on whom they know that has the problem. This attitude constitutes partiality in judgment.
Second, the verse presumes that people are wicked. Today, it is common to hear people say, “He’s a good person who just did a bad thing.” No. Mystery writer Agatha Christie echoed these words of Solomon when she penned the truth, “I believe in evil.” When people premeditate the sinful action that they later bring forth, such was no accident or spur-of-the-moment decision. Planning wickedness in advance demonstrates an evil mind. So does a refusal to acknowledge the transgression after having committed it, which is frequently the case.
Third, the implication is that we can know right from wrong, which is the truth; for that reason, we have the Word of God (John 17:17). Therefore, no excuse exists for supporting those who practice wickedness. The day that the Supreme Court decided in favor of same-sex marriage, the White House was bathed in rainbow colors that evening. Here is the headline from CNN of the event: “White House Shines Rainbow Colors to Hail Same-Sex Marriage Ruling.” What did this action signify if not to say to the wicked, “You are righteous”? Such a claim is false! God called the sin of homosexuality very “grievous, grave, extremely serious,” or “so blatant,” depending on one’s translation.
Fourth, sin ought to be rebuked—kindly but firmly. Otherwise, people will assume that everyone approves of their actions. Do we speak out against stealing? How about murder (as in abortion)? Have we ever told anyone, “It is not lawful for you to have her,” as John did Herod? Have we explained to a homosexual “couple” that, despite what the Supreme Court said, the President then concurring, that they are not actually married because God did not design marriage for them, nor does He authorize it or bring them together? We ought to do so.