“Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.

Jesus used even weights— the same standard—for everyone: Pharisees, tax-collectors, prostitutes, lepers. Jesus doesn’t change. He is good and He does good. He is loving, merciful, and kind. Yet He touched the leper and drove out the money changers. He called the children to His side and spoke harshly to Pharisees.

Jesus’ behavior was void of partiality because He remained constant. It was the heart of the individual(s) that determined His response. Some had ears to hear. Others were stiff-necked and hard-hearted.

When we, fickle people, use differing weights to interact with people, when we apply our own standard, “…[we] show favoritism, commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:9)

In an age of image management, we easily direct unattractive individuals to one corner of the worship service while escorting others to places of influence. We give greater honor to those with a high profile while dismissing a common acquaintance. Who notices? Those who are neglected or relegated to the corner. Those who are treated with partiality. And God. He sees. He knows.

Even if we are aware of our own hypocrisy, we have yet to identify the person who uses one set of weights (or standards) in public and another in private. The inconsistency is hard to see. Hidden. Secret. Dark. It isn’t evident by where they live, how much money they make or where they work. Why? Because it’s a heart problem.

An individual uses differing weights for a reason. It all comes down to what they want; what they value and treasure. It varies from person to person (as sin does). Do they seek influence, importance, money, an appearance of godliness, marriage or family? Perhaps they’re driven to protect their reputation, business, or ministry. When these things are paramount, truth suffers. People suffer. The individual must prevail; his goal is the goal. His mission is the mission.

This sin cannot be replaced by substituting one behavior with another. It cannot be addressed with accountability. It must be brought into the light. Consequences and reaping what was sown may result in repentance. But this is the work of the Holy Spirit, not those He indwells. Jesus said, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). Fruit is the reality: not what we want it to be but what it is; not what he declares is true but hard evidence. Facts. Actions and deeds. Reality without excuse, justification, or rationalization. Fantasy and false narratives must be put to death. Mortified. Resisted. Dismissed. Rejected.

Fruit is “what-is-true” vs. “what-I-want-it-to-be.” Fruit is what we see, touch, taste and smell. What is the lived experience of others? Do they experience thorns and thistles as a result of interaction with the individual? Or figs and grapes? Are they refreshed and satisfied? Wounded and limping? Built up or torn down?

“So you’ll recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:20).

Jesus says the bad tree will be cut down and thrown in the fire. The outcome is permanent. Frightening. Final. Plant a new tree. A good tree.

Repentance is death to the old. Absolute transformation. As the person within is renewed, new life, new fruit, appears. The birth of a new tree may be immediate, but growth, maturity, and wisdom come with experience. The newness is seen in humility, vulnerability and transparency. Authenticity, not artificiality.

Jesus the Botanist did not refer to garden variety plants when He spoke of hypocrisy (Matthew 7:15-20). He knew and understood the process well:

“When you come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food, you are to consider the fruit forbidden. It will be forbidden to you for three years; it is not to be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit is to be consecrated as a praise offering to the Lord. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way its yield will increase for you; I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19: 23-25)

Until we see evidence of one’s private, unseen, unapplauded, life, we do not, cannot, identify the state of the tree. This individual lauds and blesses in public, but curses, belittles, manipulates, schemes, and rages in private. Why? Because it works. Because he wants what he wants.

What else does the Bible say about that kind of behavior?

“You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small….” (Deuteronomy 25:13)

You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. (Deuteronomy 25:14)

Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the Lord. (Proverbs 20:10)

Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false scale is not good. (Proverbs 20:23)

When we accurately reflect Jesus, we treat each person with honor and dignity. We use His standard:

“A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern.” Proverbs 16:11

You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. (Deuteronomy 1:17)

For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17)

Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe. (2 Chronicles 19:7)

For there is no partiality with God. (Romans 2:11)

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (James 2:9)

When the wife of this man asks for help, watch yourself. You may seek to protect him while discounting her intimate, years’-long knowledge of him. Create a private, safe place with a woman of her choosing. When you have earned her trust and proven your ability to protect her, she will disclose things you find hard to believe. If you have any idea what misplaced trust has cost her, you will be patient, sensitive, and wise. Do not take steps without her knowledge and consent. She knows a very different person than you.

It is important to provide for her and her children before addressing his wickedness. Prepare yourself. You may wonder if a man is as wicked as his wife says. Remove her from the situation and see how he responds. It may not be immediate, but if you continually tell him no, you will see things you never imagined. Dr. Charles Hodges writes, “If you want to take the measure of someone’s character, the most direct route I can think of is to tell him no.” (Good Mood, Bad Mood, p. 135). The church’s job is to be an ambassador of Christ–to call sinners to repentance and help the suffering.

“To show partiality in judgement is not good. He who says to the wicked, ‘You are righteous,’ peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.” (Proverbs 24:23-26)

And if you doubt this is the church’s job, Paul said otherwise:

I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

Listen to Jesus. Follow Jesus. Represent Jesus. He promises He will never leave us or forsake us.