“Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth.” (Psalm 58:1-2)

Recently, I learned from the news that a well-known politician was implicated in a deceased wealthy businessman. The businessman was accused of extremely heinous crimes. Although these rumours are not clear, some of the photos and videos circulating online are deeply disturbing. What is even more distressing is that the authorities seem to have failed to handle this matter in an open and fair manner and instead give the impression that they are trying to cover up the truth or divert public attention.

What saddens me is not only the severity of the incident itself, but also the sense that justice is being suppressed and the victims are being ignored.

The author of Psalm 58 faced a similar situation. He saw that those in power said they wanted fairness, but their hearts were filled with evil; they used the "scales" in their hands not to measure justice, but to commit violence (vv 1-2). They pretended to be fair law enforcers, but in reality, they were looking out for their own interests.

The world today still faces the same problem: even in democratic societies, democracy is not the same as truth. Without a foundation of God’s truth, democracy can be abused to allow the majority to support what is wrong. Even the best political system cannot prevent the spread of evil if truth is ignored.

But thank God, Psalm 58 does not end with accusation alone. The psalmist turned his eyes to God and cried out to the true judge: Verses 6-7 say, " O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! Let them vanish like water that runs away; when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted."

The psalmist was not seeking revenge himself, nor was he encouraging violence. He was calling for God's justice because only God can see the human heart, and only his judgment is truly fair.

Today, we face the darkness of the world, the painful silence of those in power, and the corruption of the system. Our hope is not in people or the system, but in the God who sits as king and controls everything.

Reflection

In a world full of injustice and corruption, Psalm 58 reminds us that true justice belongs to God alone. He sees every heart and judges perfectly. Are we willing to fear God and follow his truth, rather than rely on our own judgment?

Prayer

Dear Father, this world is dark, and power is misused. But you alone are righteous and see all things. Strengthen our faith and help us be light and salt until your justice comes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.