Justice, Mercy and Governance: Biblical Wisdom Meets Constitutional Law

“Governance is a sacred calling where the wisdom of justice and the rule of law must unite to uplift the nation, elevate the oppressed, and honour the moral mandate for righteousness”

Governance is more than a system of laws and policies- it is a great moral obligation that shapes the fate of nations and safeguards the dignity of individuals. Throughout history, societies have grappled with the balance between power and justice, and the Bible provides an enduring moral compass in this pursuit. Its teachings on righteousness, mercy, and justice offer timeless wisdom, reminding us that true leadership is not about wielding authority but serving the greater good. As Proverbs 16:12 affirms, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.” When these biblical principles are paired with modern legal frameworks like the Indian Constitution, which guarantees justice, equality, and liberty, they form a robust foundation for just governance. For the people of Nagaland, this synergy between biblical wisdom and constitutional rights offers both spiritual grounding and legal empowerment. In a world where the abuse of power can lead to societal decay, the call for righteous leadership, rooted in these enduring values, brings hope for a future where governance is guided by divine justice and accountability under the law.

The Bible’s critique of unjust rulers is particularly vivid in the prophetic writings. Time and again, the prophets denounce those who abuse power and oppress the poor. In Isaiah 10:1-2, we are warned, “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights.” This divine concern for justice underlines that governance is not merely about maintaining order, but about ensuring that the vulnerable are protected. This standard applies universally, as Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority is established by God and must answer to Him.

Amos, known as the prophet of justice, speaks forcefully against rulers who exploit the needy for their gain. In Amos 5:11-12, he declares, “You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain… though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them.” His relentless call for justice, commanding that “justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24), serves as a powerful reminder that rulers, no matter how powerful, are accountable to God. The Bible consistently teaches that governance must serve all people, especially the most vulnerable, and those who pervert justice will face divine judgment.

Micah also issues a strong rebuke against corrupt leaders. In Micah 3:9-11, he condemns those who despise justice and twist what is right, cautioning them that their declarations of divine favour will not shield them from judgment. Proverbs 29:4 reinforces this message: “By justice, a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.” Justice is both a divine mandate and a practical necessity for the well-being of nations.

In the New Testament, Jesus directly confronts unjust governance. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes religious leaders who focus on minor legalistic details while neglecting “the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness”. This mirrors the biblical tradition that leaders must prioritise justice. Romans 13:1-4 further develops this idea, teaching that rulers are “God’s servants for your good”, tasked with upholding justice and punishing wrongdoing.

The Bible’s most vivid portrayal of unjust governance is found in the book of Revelation, where corrupt and tyrannical regimes are symbolised by the “beast” that seeks to exalt itself above God (Revelation 13:1-10). This apocalyptic vision assures believers that even the most oppressive rulers will be judged, and their reign will be temporary. Revelation 13:10 warns, “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go”, emphasising that no ruler is beyond God’s reach.

Throughout Scripture, governance is seen as a sacred responsibility, rooted in justice, fairness, and mercy. Leaders are called to mirror God’s justice, reflecting His character in their rule. This divine mandate transcends time and culture, presenting an eternal challenge to rulers who are seduced by power and corruption. The Bible’s teachings offer both a guide and a warning: unjust governance will lead to societal decay and divine reckoning.

For the people of Nagaland, the Bible and the Constitution of India together serve as powerful tools in their quest for justice, equality, and governance. Biblical teachings on righteousness and justice resonate deeply with the Naga people’s spiritual foundation, offering moral clarity during challenging times. Similarly, the Indian Constitution provides a legal framework that ensures their rights are protected. Together, these two sources empower the people of Nagaland to engage actively with governance, shaping a future grounded in both divine and constitutional principles. This combination offers a moral and legal compass, guiding them through the complexities of modern governance while staying true to their spiritual roots.

In a society striving to secure its rights within the legal framework, the Bible provides a spiritual anchor, reinforcing the belief that leaders must govern with integrity. It encourages resilience and hope in the face of challenges. Meanwhile, the Indian Constitution offers concrete legal mechanisms to address systemic inequalities to secure justice for an individual as guaranteed under the supreme Law of the Land. As Nagaland continues on its path toward a brighter future, the synergy between these two sources — spiritual and legal — helps balance ideals with practical realities, ensuring that their identity and aspirations remain intact. This powerful harmony strengthens their collective voice as citizens of both the nation and a spiritual community.

The parallels between biblical teachings and modern constitutional values are striking. Both emphasise protection for the vulnerable, equality before the law, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights. The biblical vision of governance, rooted in justice and mercy, finds a modern echo in constitutional guarantees of justice-social, economic, and political. The Indian Constitution’s promise of justice reflects the biblical call for fairness and compassion, showing that the pursuit of justice is a shared human effort, one that requires accountability and a deep commitment to the well-being of all.

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, mirrors the biblical command found in Deuteronomy 16:18-20, where judges are called to deliver fair judgments without partiality. Both the Bible and the Constitution stress that governance must be built on justice for all, especially the marginalised. Article 21 of the Constitution, safeguarding life and personal liberty, echoes the Bible’s teachings on the sanctity of human life. Just as the prophets condemned rulers who deprived the people of their rights, the Indian Constitution provides legal avenues for citizens to challenge unjust governance.

The preamble of the Constitution promises “Justice-social, economic, and political”, which reflects the biblical vision of governance as a force for good, grounded in righteousness. Psalm 72:4 prays for the king to “defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.” This biblical sentiment is echoed in the Constitution’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. The parallels between biblical values and constitutional principles reveal a shared pursuit of justice, showing that governance without justice is no governance at all.

Ultimately, the Bible’s call for justice, mercy, and humility in leadership stands as a challenge to rulers across all ages. Whether through the prophetic voices of Isaiah, Amos, and Micah, or the wisdom of Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus, the Bible holds leaders to a high standard. This same ethos is reflected in the Indian Constitution, which enshrines justice and equality as core principles. When governance upholds these values, societies thrive; when it deviates from them, it leads to moral and societal decay. Psalm 89:14 reminds us, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Governance, both in biblical times and today, is not merely a political obligation; it is a divine calling to create a better “today” and the victorious-glorious ‘TOMORROW’ for a progressive Nagaland and the rising “Bharat”.

Dr. Aniruddha Babar,

Dept. of Political Science, Tetso College, Nagaland.