Walking Justly: Lessons from Exodus 22–23

13 “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.

As we continue our journey through the book of Exodus, we are reminded that God delivered Israel not simply to free them but so they would serve Him. The theme is clear: we are saved to serve.

Exodus 22–23 highlights God’s law—guidelines that shape how we live in purity, fairness, mercy, justice, generosity, and faith. These principles are not outdated; they permeate our culture and remain essential for believers today.

Too often, our definitions of fairness, mercy, and justice are shaped more by personal feelings and cultural trends than by God’s Word. Exodus calls us back to a biblical vision of justice.

Exodus 22:16–17 teaches that if a man desires intimacy with a woman, marriage must come first. Scripture frames sex outside of marriage as selfish and unjust. God’s standard is clear:

• If someone is worthy of your body, they are worthy of a covenant.
• Marriage is the rightful place for intimacy.

This aligns with Acts 15, where the early church instructed new believers to abstain from sexual immorality, alongside avoiding idolatry. Walking justly includes walking in purity.

Exodus 22:18 forbids sorcery and divination. Practices like astrology, tarot, or fortune-telling reject God’s sovereignty and reflect a lack of trust in His care for the future.

Faith means saying: “Lord, I trust You with tomorrow.”

Exodus 22:19–20 warns against unnatural practices and idolatry. Romans 1 echoes this truth—when people turn from God, their minds and morals unravel. Purity in worship and in body reflects justice before God.

Exodus 22:21–27 reminds us to treat the vulnerable—the widow, the orphan, and the stranger—with gentleness. God hears their cry and defends them.

• Strangers were welcomed into Israel but expected to work and worship the one true God.
• The poor were to be cared for without being trapped in debt.
• Generosity flows from God’s own generosity: “Our actions of generosity are because our God is generous.”

Exodus 22:28–30 commands that the first of our produce, livestock, and even time belongs to God. To use His gifts without honoring Him is unjust.
New Testament principles deepen this call:

• Sacrificial giving (Luke 21:1–4)
• Faithful stewardship (Matthew 25:14–30)
• Cheerful, intentional generosity (2 Corinthians 8–9)

Justice with money means acknowledging that everything belongs to God.

Exodus 22:31 calls God’s people to be holy even in spontaneous moments of temptation. Holiness requires intentional choices to avoid traps. 

Exodus 23:1–9 warns against spreading false reports, following the crowd in evil, or showing favoritism in judgment. Compassion must never distort justice.
True justice means:

• Avoiding lies and bribes
• Doing right even toward enemies
• Letting emotions be guided by the Spirit

Exodus 23:10–19 extends justice into work and worship. God commands:

• Allow rest for the poor, servants, and even animals
• Practice Sabbath rest to refresh both yourself and others
• Honor God through feasts of remembrance: Passover (deliverance), Pentecost (provision), and Tabernacles (eternity with Him)

These rhythms remind us of God’s salvation, provision, and promise.

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

Walking justly is not selective—it touches every area of life:

• Relationships: Purity and commitment
• Faith: Trusting God with tomorrow
• Generosity: Reflecting God’s character in finances
• Gentleness: Caring for the vulnerable
• Self-Control: Guarding against temptation
• Work & Worship: Honoring God with rest and remembrance

Micah 6:8 teaches that justice is not just legal fairness but living in alignment with God’s truth—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him.

By pursuing purity in relationships, being generous with finances, caring for the vulnerable, practicing Sabbath rest, and living with integrity.

Because all resources belong to God. Stewardship reflects His generosity and prevents exploitation of others.  It would be unjust to attribute something to the wrong person.

Yes. Social justice often shifts with culture, but biblical justice is rooted in God’s unchanging Word and character.