thinking bible.

You asked

how do other biblical texts like proverbs or jesus' teachings speak to avoiding partiality?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Proverbs 28:21

To have respect of persons is not good; no, for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

This proverb comes from a collection of wisdom sayings, likely compiled around the 7th-6th centuries BCE. Proverbs offers practical advice for living a just and wise life in ancient Israel, often addressing daily ethical choices and their consequences.

What practical steps might we take to recognize and overcome our unconscious biases towards certain people or groups?

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Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 1:17

    This law instructs judges not to show partiality or fear anyone, emphasizing equal treatment under the law.

  • James 2:1-4

    This New Testament passage directly confronts partiality within the early Christian community, specifically favoring the rich over the poor.

  • Matthew 22:16

    Jesus' disciples acknowledge that he teaches God's way truthfully and 'doesn't show partiality to anyone.'

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