Partiality
Summary
Partiality, or 'respect of persons,' is the sin of showing favoritism based on wealth, status, or other external factors rather than judging by truth and character.
☩Forbidden by God
Scripture consistently condemns partiality in judgment. The Hebrew phrase 'lift up the face,' originally meaning to receive a prostrate suppliant favorably, came to mean accepting a person rather than their cause. Judges were commanded to consider neither rich nor poor, powerful nor weak, but only truth and justice. God Himself shows no partiality—He judges by character, not worldly or national considerations.
☩In the Church
James sharply censures favoritism toward the wealthy in the assembly, commanding that believers not hold the faith with partiality. Paul charges Timothy to observe these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality. Courting the favor of the rich and influential while despising the poor violates the royal law of loving one's neighbor.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Respect Of Persons," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Respect of Persons," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Respect of Persons," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).