Lawyers play an important role in society by upholding justice, defending the rights of individuals, and helping navigate complex legal systems. The Bible does not directly discuss lawyers, as the modern conception of a lawyer did not exist at the time it was written. However, the Bible does speak to principles of justice, integrity, and advocacy that are relevant for thinking about the legal profession from a Christian perspective.
Justice and the Legal System
The Bible emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against perverting it with bribes or false testimony (Exodus 23:1-3, 6-8; Deuteronomy 16:18-20). God is said to love justice (Psalm 99:4) and judges are called to “judge with justice” (2 Chronicles 19:6). Jesus criticized lawyers of his day for loading people with burdens and not lifting a finger to ease them (Luke 11:46), implying the important role that lawyers should play in pursuing justice and protecting people’s rights.
At times the Bible portrays the legal system negatively, such as when the apostle Paul writes about believers taking other believers to court before unbelievers (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). However, this seems to be focused on motives of greed and vengeance, not necessarily the legal system itself. Paul utilized his rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself from mistreatment (Acts 22:25-29), implying there is an appropriate role for legal advocacy and protection of rights.
Overall, the biblical emphasis on justice indicates that the legal system is important, but must be guided by principles of fairness, advocacy for the powerless, and impartiality that should shape the work of lawyers.
Honesty and Ethics
The Bible emphasizes honesty and integrity, virtues crucial for lawyers seeking to uphold justice. Exodus 23:1-2 warns against spreading false reports and cautions against “making common cause with the wicked.” Lawyers must be committed to honesty and not distorting truth, even when representing guilty clients (Proverbs 12:17-22). Jesus criticized the lawyers of his day for loading people down with unnecessary burdens (Luke 11:46), implying lawyers should seek to lift burdens, not create them.
At times, upholding justice may conflict with other ethical priorities. However, Proverbs 24:23-25 implies justice should be upheld regardless of circumstances or relationships. Lawyers must have wisdom to navigate ethical gray areas, being guided by principles of honesty, fairness and protecting the vulnerable.
Advocacy and Counsel
Lawyers serve as advocates, speaking on behalf of their clients before the law. The Bible portrays advocacy positively in the example of Job, who “delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him” (Job 29:12). Isaiah 1:17 also calls for God’s people to “seek justice” and “bring justice to the fatherless.” Jesus promised the Spirit would give words and wisdom when his followers face persecution (Luke 12:11-12), implying the godly role of advocacy.
At the same time, lawyers must exercise their powers of advocacy justly. They are prohibited from showing partiality to either the poor or great (Leviticus 19:15), but instead should treat all people fairly. When representing the guilty, they should still point them toward repentance and righteousness (Acts 24:24-25).
Lawyers also play an important counseling role, guiding clients’ decisions before the law. The Bible commends wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5) and “guidance from the counselors” (Ezra 4:5). Lawyers must embrace this role, steering clients toward ethical choices and reconciled relationships when possible.
Fair Fees
While lawyers deserve fair wages for their work (Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18), they should also show flexibility and charity. Zechariah condemned oppressing the widowed, fatherless, and poor, charging them unfair fees (Zechariah 7:9-10). The Bible instructs being generous and forgiving of debts when possible (Deuteronomy 15:1-2). Lawyers must balance these principles, charging justly for their expertise while showing mercy to disadvantaged clients.
Impartiality and Compassion
Moses commanded the Israelite judges to “hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother” (Deuteronomy 1:16). Justice requires impartiality. Leviticus 19:15 cautions against partiality to either the poor or great, but instead emphasizes justice. Lawyers should reject prejudice and show equal concern for all clients, regardless of background or social standing.
At the same time, God’s justice is always paired with mercy and compassion. Lawyers must fight for justice, but should also display Christ-like compassion. Defending the rights of the poor, marginalized and victimized can be an expression of biblical mercy. Like the Good Samaritan, Christian lawyers should allow compassion to motivate and shape their work.
Serving God First
Above all, lawyers are called to serve God before any professional allegiance. Deuteronomy 10:17-19 reminds God’s people that He Himself “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow.” God identifies with society’s powerless and calls His people to reflect His character. Christian lawyers’ ultimate loyalty is to God’s kingdom, which should guide their work above any worldly success.
At times these loyalties may conflict. Acts 5:27-29 presents the apostles proclaiming their higher obligation to “obey God rather than men.” Christian lawyers may face difficult situations where their faith calls them to a different path than professional expectations or client demands. In those cases, they must follow God faithfully even at personal cost.
Conclusion
The Bible does not directly address lawyers, but provides principles about justice, ethics, advocacy and mercy that shape a Christian approach to the legal profession. Lawyers have opportunities to uphold justice, give counsel, and defend the rights of the poor and marginalized in ways that align with biblical values. At the same time, they face temptations to compromise ethics or distort truth for gain. Christian lawyers ultimately serve God first, seeking to let biblical principles guide their work in a fallen world where justice is often perverted. By living with integrity and compassion, they can be ambassadors for Christ in an influential profession.