What Does the Bible Say About Righteous Anger?

What is righteous anger according to the Bible?

Righteous anger, as portrayed in the Bible, is a complex and often misunderstood concept. It represents a morally justified emotional response to injustice, sin, or actions that oppose God’s will and nature. Unlike sinful anger, which stems from selfish motives or lack of self-control, righteous anger is rooted in a deep concern for God’s honor and the wellbeing of others.

From a psychological standpoint, we can understand righteous anger as a cognitive-emotional process triggered by the perception of a moral violation. This anger is not merely an impulsive reaction, but a considered response aligned with one’s ethical framework – in this case, the biblical worldview.

The Bible presents righteous anger as an attribute of God Himself. We see this in passages like Psalm 7:11, which states “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day” (Schenk, 2017, pp. 222–239). This divine anger is always perfect, just, and in proportion to the offense. It’s crucial to note that God’s anger is not capricious or vengeful, but a righteous response to sin and injustice.

For humans, righteous anger is an emulation of this divine characteristic, albeit imperfectly expressed due to our fallen nature. The apostle Paul alludes to this in Ephesians 4:26, instructing believers to “Be angry and do not sin” (Reich, 2019). This verse acknowledges that anger itself is not inherently sinful, but can be righteous when properly directed and controlled.

Righteous anger in humans is characterized by several key elements:

1. It is directed against sin and injustice, not people.
2. It is motivated by love for God and others, not self-interest.
3. It leads to constructive action, not destructive behavior.
4. It is controlled and proportionate, not excessive or prolonged.

From a psychological perspective, righteous anger can serve several positive functions. It can motivate individuals to address injustice, protect the vulnerable, and uphold moral standards. It can also foster empathy and solidarity with those who are oppressed or mistreated.

But it’s important to recognize the potential for self-deception. Humans have a remarkable capacity to rationalize their emotions, sometimes mislabeling selfish anger as righteous. This is why the Bible consistently emphasizes self-examination and humility in our emotional responses.

Righteous anger according to the Bible is a controlled, love-motivated response to sin and injustice that reflects God’s character and leads to constructive action. It’s a powerful emotion that, when properly channeled, can be a force for positive change in alignment with God’s will.

What are some examples of righteous anger in the Bible?

One of the most prominent examples is Moses’ anger when he descended from Mount Sinai to find the Israelites worshipping a golden calf (Exodus 32:19-20). Moses’ anger was directed at the Israelites’ idolatry and betrayal of their covenant with God. His response, while intense, was motivated by a zeal for God’s honor and the spiritual wellbeing of the people. From a psychological perspective, this illustrates how righteous anger can stem from a strong sense of moral conviction and a desire to protect others from harmful behavior.

Another notable instance is Phinehas’ response to the Israelites’ sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabites (Numbers 25:6-13). His zealous action, while violent by modern standards, was commended by God as an expression of righteous anger against sin. This example highlights the cultural and historical context of righteous anger expressions in the Bible, reminding us to interpret these accounts carefully in light of their specific contexts.

In the New Testament, Jesus himself displays righteous anger on several occasions. Perhaps the most famous is His cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-22). Jesus, seeing the house of worship turned into a marketplace, fashioned a whip and drove out the merchants and money changers (Myers, 2023, pp. 46–59). This action was not a loss of temper, but a calculated demonstration of righteous indignation against the desecration of God’s house. Psychologically, this illustrates how righteous anger can motivate decisive action to correct injustice or moral wrongs.

The apostle Paul also demonstrates righteous anger in his epistles. In Galatians 2:11-14, he confronts Peter for his hypocrisy in withdrawing from Gentile believers. Paul’s anger here is directed at behavior that undermined the gospel message of grace and equality in Christ. This example shows how righteous anger can be expressed in the context of interpersonal relationships and doctrinal disputes.

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently expressed righteous anger against social injustice and idolatry. Amos, for instance, vehemently denounced the exploitation of the poor by the rich (Amos 2:6-7). Jeremiah expressed God’s anger against false prophets who led the people astray (Jeremiah 23:9-40). These examples demonstrate how righteous anger can be a powerful motivator for social justice and spiritual reform.

In all these biblical examples, righteous anger is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater purpose – whether that’s correcting error, protecting the vulnerable, or upholding God’s honor. From a psychological standpoint, this aligns with the understanding that emotions serve adaptive functions, motivating behavior that promotes individual and collective wellbeing.

These examples illustrate that righteous anger in the Bible is often accompanied by action. It’s not merely a feeling to be experienced, but a catalyst for change. This challenges us to consider how our own experiences of righteous anger might be channeled into constructive efforts to address injustice and promote righteousness in our spheres of influence.

How does righteous anger differ from sinful anger?

Righteous anger, as we’ve discussed, is rooted in a genuine concern for God’s honor and the wellbeing of others. It’s a response to injustice, sin, or actions that violate God’s moral standards. Psychologically, we can understand this as an emotion arising from a well-developed moral compass and a strong sense of empathy.

Sinful anger, on the other hand, typically stems from selfish motives, wounded pride, or a desire for revenge. It’s often characterized by a loss of control and a focus on personal grievances rather than broader moral concerns. From a psychological perspective, this type of anger often relates to unresolved personal issues, insecurities, or maladaptive coping mechanisms.

One key difference lies in the object of the anger. Righteous anger is directed at sin and injustice, not at people themselves. It seeks to correct wrongs and restore righteousness. Sinful anger, But is often personally directed, seeking to harm or punish individuals rather than address the underlying issues. This distinction is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and promoting constructive conflict resolution.

Another major difference is in the outcomes and expressions of these two types of anger. Righteous anger, when properly channeled, leads to constructive action. It motivates individuals to address injustice, protect the vulnerable, and uphold moral standards. Sinful anger, conversely, often results in destructive behavior, damaged relationships, and further injustice.

The Bible provides guidance on managing anger to ensure it remains righteous rather than sinful. Ephesians 4:26-27 instructs believers to “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Reich, 2019). This passage acknowledges the possibility of righteous anger while warning against allowing it to fester or lead to sin.

From a psychological standpoint, the ability to experience anger without acting destructively is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. Righteous anger involves a high degree of self-awareness and self-regulation, allowing individuals to respond to injustice in ways that are proportionate and constructive.

The duration of anger is another distinguishing factor. Righteous anger is typically short-lived and focused on addressing specific issues. Once the wrong is corrected or addressed, the anger subsides. Sinful anger, But often lingers, turning into resentment or bitterness. This aligns with psychological understanding of the detrimental effects of prolonged anger on mental and physical health.

Motivation is also a key differentiator. Righteous anger is motivated by love – love for God, for justice, and for others. It seeks the good of all involved, including those who have committed wrongs. Sinful anger, in contrast, is often motivated by self-interest, pride, or a desire for personal vindication.

Finally, righteous anger is accompanied by other virtues such as patience, wisdom, and self-control. It doesn’t override reason or compassion but works in tandem with them. Sinful anger, on the other hand, often crowds out other virtues, leading to hasty actions and words that one later regrets.

While the line between righteous and sinful anger can sometimes be subtle, the distinctions are major. Righteous anger serves a positive function in moral and spiritual life, while sinful anger is destructive to self and others. Developing the discernment to recognize these differences and the self-control to manage our anger appropriately is a crucial aspect of Christian maturity and psychological wellbeing.

What Bible verses specifically address righteous anger?

The Bible contains several verses that directly or indirectly address the concept of righteous anger. These passages provide guidance on when anger is justified, how it should be expressed, and its relationship to God’s character. Let’s examine some key verses and their implications:

1. Ephesians 4:26-27: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Reich, 2019). This verse is perhaps the most direct New Testament reference to righteous anger. It acknowledges that anger itself is not sinful, but warns against allowing it to lead to sin or to persist unresolved. From a psychological perspective, this aligns with the understanding that emotions themselves are morally neutral; it’s our response to them that determines their ethical value.
2. Psalm 7:11: “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day” (Schenk, 2017, pp. 222–239). This verse presents anger as an attribute of God, specifically in the context of His role as a just judge. It suggests that righteous anger is a appropriate response to injustice and sin. Psychologically, this can be understood as a cognitive-emotional response to perceived moral violations.
3. Mark 3:5: “And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” This verse describes Jesus expressing anger at the Pharisees’ lack of compassion. It’s noteworthy that Jesus’ anger is coupled with grief, illustrating the complex nature of righteous anger and its connection to love and concern for others.
4. Nehemiah 5:6-7: “I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials.” Here, Nehemiah expresses righteous anger at the exploitation of the poor. Importantly, his anger leads to thoughtful, constructive action rather than impulsive reaction.
5. Exodus 32:19-20: “And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.” This passage describes Moses’ righteous anger at the Israelites’ idolatry. While his actions might seem extreme, they reflect the severity of the people’s sin against God.
6. Romans 12:19: “never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” This verse, while not directly about righteous anger, provides important context. It reminds believers that ultimate justice belongs to God, which should temper our expressions of even righteous anger.
7. James 1:19-20: “Know this, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” This passage cautions against hasty anger, reminding us that human anger often falls short of true righteousness. It emphasizes the need for self-control and careful consideration in our emotional responses.
8. Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” This wisdom literature emphasizes the virtue of being slow to anger, suggesting that righteous anger is characterized by patience and understanding rather than impulsiveness.
9. Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” This verse, describing God’s character, implies that even righteous anger should be tempered by mercy and love.
10. Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” While this verse calls for putting away anger, it’s listed alongside clearly sinful behaviors, suggesting that the anger referred to here is of the sinful variety.

These verses collectively paint a nuanced picture of righteous anger. They suggest that while anger can be justified and even necessary in certain circumstances, it must be carefully managed, expressed constructively, and always tempered by love, mercy, and self-control. From a psychological standpoint, this biblical view aligns well with modern understanding of healthy emotional regulation and the importance of channeling strong emotions into productive behaviors.

How did Jesus display righteous anger?

Jesus Christ, as portrayed in the Gospels, provides some of the most compelling examples of righteous anger in the Bible. His displays of anger are particularly instructive because they demonstrate how perfect humanity (and divinity) expresses this emotion in a way that is completely free from sin. Let’s examine some key instances and their implications:

1. Cleansing of the Temple: Perhaps the most famous example of Jesus’ righteous anger is His cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-22, Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48). Jesus, seeing the house of worship turned into a marketplace, fashioned a whip and drove out the merchants and money changers (Myers, 2023, pp. 46–59). This action was not a loss of temper, but a calculated demonstration of righteous indignation against the desecration of God’s house. From a psychological perspective, this illustrates how righteous anger can motivate decisive action to correct injustice or moral wrongs.
2. Confronting the Pharisees: Jesus frequently expressed anger towards the religious leaders of His day, particularly the Pharisees and scribes. In Matthew 23, He delivers a scathing rebuke, calling them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “whitewashed tombs.” His anger here is directed at their hypocrisy, their burdening of others with religious rules they themselves didn’t follow, and their leading people away from true righteousness.
3. Healing on the Sabbath: In Mark 3:1-6, we see Jesus angry at the hardness of heart of the religious leaders who objected to Him healing on the Sabbath. The text says He looked around at them “with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart.” This instance shows how Jesus’ anger was often coupled with grief or sorrow, highlighting the complex nature of righteous anger and its connection to love and compassion.
4. Rebuking Peter: In Matthew 16:23, Jesus sharply rebukes Peter, saying “Get behind me, Satan!” when Peter tried to dissuade Him from going to the cross. While not explicitly described as anger, the forcefulness of Jesus’ response suggests a righteous indignation at anything that would stand in the way of God’s plan of salvation.
5. Denouncing Unrepentant Cities: In Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus pronounces judgment on cities that did not repent despite witnessing His mighty works. His words express a righteous anger at their hard-heartedness and rejection of God’s message.

Several key observations can be made about Jesus’ displays of righteous anger:

1. It was always directed at sin and injustice, never at individuals for personal reasons.
2. It was controlled and purposeful, never a loss of temper.
3. It was often accompanied by grief or sorrow, showing that it stemmed from love and concern.
4. It led to action aimed at correction or judgment, not mere venting of emotion.
5. It was relatively rare, not Jesus’ default mode of interaction.

From a psychological standpoint, Jesus’ righteous anger demonstrates high emotional intelligence. He was able to recognize morally objectionable situations, respond with appropriate emotion, and channel that emotion into constructive action.

What does the Bible say about controlling and expressing righteous anger?

the Bible offers us powerful wisdom on the delicate matter of righteous anger. While Scripture acknowledges that anger can sometimes be justified, it also cautions us to be very careful in how we handle this powerful emotion.

The Apostle Paul gives us an important principle in Ephesians 4:26-27: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Reich, 2019) This teaches us that anger itself is not necessarily sinful, but we must be vigilant not to let it lead us into sin. We are called to deal with our anger promptly and not allow it to fester. Additionally, when we allow unresolved anger to take root in our hearts, it can transform into bitterness and wrath, which the Bible clearly identifies as destructive. The scriptures emphasize the consequences of holding on to wrath as a sin in scriptures, warning us that it can damage both our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Therefore, addressing our anger swiftly is crucial for maintaining our spiritual health and harmony within our community.

Jesus himself displayed righteous anger on occasion, most notably when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). His anger was directed at injustice and the misuse of sacred spaces. Yet even in his anger, Jesus remained in control and acted with purpose.

The Psalms also speak of God’s anger against sin and injustice. Psalm 7:11 tells us that “God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” This reminds us that anger against evil is an aspect of God’s righteousness.

But Scripture is also filled with warnings about the dangers of uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 29:11 cautions that “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” James 1:19-20 advises us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

The Bible teaches us that righteous anger has its place, but it must be carefully controlled and expressed. We are called to be slow to anger, to ensure our anger is truly righteous and not self-serving, and to channel that anger into constructive action rather than destructive outbursts.

As Christians, we must cultivate the discernment to recognize when anger is appropriate and the self-control to express it in ways that honor God and serve justice. This requires constant prayer, self-reflection, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Can Christians feel righteous anger today? If so, in what situations?

My the answer is yes, Christians can and sometimes should feel righteous anger today. But we must approach this with great care and discernment, always guided by the love of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

In our modern world, there are many situations that may justly provoke righteous anger in the hearts of believers. We might feel anger when we witness:

1. Injustice and oppression of the vulnerable: When we see the poor exploited, minorities discriminated against, or children abused, it is right to feel anger at these violations of human dignity.
2. Corruption and abuse of power: Whether in government, business, or even within the Church, the misuse of authority for personal gain at the expense of others should stir our righteous indignation.
3. Desecration of the sacred: Like Jesus with the money changers, we may feel anger when holy things are treated with disrespect or when faith is cynically manipulated for worldly ends.
4. Willful promotion of falsehood: In an age of misinformation, the deliberate spread of lies that harm individuals or society may provoke our anger.
5. Environmental destruction: As stewards of God’s creation, we may feel righteous anger at the reckless exploitation and pollution of our common home.
6. Human trafficking and modern slavery: The commodification of human beings should rightly anger us as a grave offense against human dignity.
7. Persecution of believers: When fellow Christians or those of other faiths face violence or discrimination for their beliefs, it is natural to feel anger at such injustice.

But we must be vigilant. Our anger, even when directed at genuine evils, can easily become tainted by pride, self-righteousness, or a desire for vengeance. We must constantly examine our hearts and motivations.

Remember the words of James: “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Our anger, even when justified, must always be tempered by love, mercy, and a desire for reconciliation. It should motivate us to constructive action and prayer, not to hatred or violence.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, but this does not mean we should be passive in the face of evil. Rather, our righteous anger should fuel a passionate commitment to justice, always guided by the example of Christ who confronted evil with truth and love, even to the point of sacrificing himself for those who opposed him.

In feeling and expressing righteous anger, we must always remember our own fallenness and need for God’s grace. Let us approach these situations with humility, seeking first to remove the log from our own eye before addressing the speck in our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).

What did the Church Fathers teach about righteous anger?

The Church Fathers recognized that anger could be either virtuous or sinful, depending on its cause and how it was expressed. They drew inspiration from the Scriptures and sought to understand how anger could be reconciled with Christian love and virtue.

St. Augustine, one of the most influential of the Church Fathers, acknowledged that anger could be justified when directed against sin. He wrote, “He who is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment. But he who is angry with his brother with cause shall not be in danger.” Augustine recognized that there were times when anger was appropriate, particularly when confronting injustice or defending the truth.

But Augustine and other Church Fathers also warned about the dangers of anger. They recognized how easily righteous anger could degenerate into sinful wrath. St. John Cassian, for instance, listed anger as one of the eight principal vices that Christians must overcome. He emphasized the need for patience and gentleness, even in the face of provocation.

St. Gregory the Great offered a nuanced view, distinguishing between anger that arises from zeal for righteousness and anger that stems from impatience or pride. He taught that the former could be virtuous, while the latter was always sinful. Gregory emphasized that even righteous anger must be carefully controlled and not allowed to dominate one’s actions or thoughts.

St. John Chrysostom, known for his eloquent preaching, taught that anger could be a useful tool when properly directed. He said, “He who is not angry when he has cause to be, sins. For unreasonable patience is the hotbed of many vices.” Chrysostom saw righteous anger as a necessary response to injustice and evil, but he also stressed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Desert Fathers, those early Christian hermits and monks, often spoke of the need to overcome anger as part of the spiritual journey. They saw uncontrolled anger as a major obstacle to spiritual growth and communion with God. At the same time, they recognized that a certain kind of “holy anger” could be part of the spiritual warrior’s arsenal against evil and temptation.

The Church Fathers taught us to approach anger with great caution and discernment. They recognized its potential for both good and ill, and they consistently emphasized the need for self-control, humility, and love in all our dealings with others, even when confronting evil or injustice.

How can we ensure our anger is truly righteous and not selfish?

We must examine our motivations carefully. Righteous anger is fundamentally concerned with justice, the well-being of others, and the honor of God. It is not about our personal preferences or ego. Ask yourself: “Am I angry because something truly unjust has occurred, or because I feel personally slighted or inconvenienced?” True righteous anger is selfless; it grieves for the harm done to others or the violation of God’s will, not for personal affronts.

Consider the fruits of your anger. As our Lord Jesus taught us, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). Does your anger lead you to constructive action, to a desire to right wrongs and help those who are suffering? Or does it result in bitterness, a desire for revenge, or a sense of superiority? Righteous anger should motivate us to positive change, not to destructive thoughts or actions.

Reflect on whether your anger is proportionate to the situation. Righteous anger responds appropriately to the severity of the injustice or wrong. If we find ourselves becoming enraged over minor issues, it’s likely that our anger is not truly righteous.

Examine whether your anger is consistent with love. Even in his righteous anger, Jesus never ceased to love those he confronted. If our anger causes us to dehumanize others or wish them harm, it has strayed from righteousness. As St. Paul reminds us, “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Consider whether you are equally angered by similar injustices when they don’t affect you personally. Righteous anger is consistent; it stands against all instances of a particular wrong, not just those that impact us directly.

Be honest about your own faults and failings. Righteous anger is accompanied by humility and an awareness of our own need for God’s grace. If we find ourselves feeling morally superior or ignoring our own shortcomings, our anger may be more about self-righteousness than true righteousness.

Pray for discernment. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and mind, to help you see situations clearly and respond as Christ would. Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture can help attune our hearts to God’s will and sharpen our ability to discern righteous anger from selfish anger.

Lastly, seek the counsel of wise and mature believers. Sometimes, our own perspective can be clouded, and we need the insights of others to help us see our motivations clearly.

Remember, that even when our anger is justified, we are called to express it in a way that reflects the love and grace of Christ. As St. Paul advises, “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). Let us strive to be people whose righteous anger leads not to division and hatred, but to reconciliation, justice, and the building up of God’s kingdom.

What are some practical ways to channel righteous anger for good?

When we find ourselves moved by righteous anger, it is crucial that we channel this powerful emotion in ways that honor God and serve our fellow human beings. Here are some practical suggestions for transforming righteous anger into positive action:

1. Prayer and Discernment: Begin by bringing your anger before God in prayer. Ask for wisdom to understand the situation fully and for guidance on how to respond. As the Psalmist teaches us, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). This prayerful pause can help us avoid impulsive reactions and align our actions with God’s will.
2. Education and Awareness: Use your anger as motivation to learn more about the issue that has provoked it. Research the root causes of the injustice or problem. Share this information with others to raise awareness. Knowledge is a powerful tool for change.
3. Advocacy: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, as Proverbs 31:8 instructs us. Write letters to leaders and decision-makers, sign petitions, or participate in peaceful demonstrations to advocate for change.
4. Volunteer: Channel your energy into direct service. Find organizations working to address the issue that concerns you and offer your time and skills. This allows you to be part of the solution actively.
5. Support and Empowerment: Look for ways to support and empower those who are directly affected by the injustice. This might involve mentoring, providing resources, or simply offering a listening ear and emotional support.
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: While it may seem counterintuitive, one of the most powerful responses to injustice is to work towards forgiveness and reconciliation. This doesn’t mean ignoring wrongdoing, but rather seeking to break cycles of hatred and retaliation.
7. Creative Expression: Use your talents to express your righteous anger constructively. Write, create art, or compose music that brings attention to the issue and inspires others to action.
8. Community Organizing: Work with like-minded individuals to create or join groups dedicated to addressing the issue. There is strength in numbers, and collective action can be a powerful force for change.
9. Ethical Consumerism: Use your purchasing power to support businesses and organizations that align with your values and avoid those that contribute to injustice.
10. Self-Improvement: Look for ways that you might be inadvertently contributing to the problem and commit to personal change. As Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
11. Mediation and Conflict Resolution: If the situation allows, offer to mediate between conflicting parties. Helping to facilitate understanding and compromise can be a powerful way to address injustice.
12. Prayer and Fasting: Engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, not only for guidance but as a form of spiritual warfare against injustice. As Jesus taught, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

Remember, that our goal in channeling righteous anger should always be to bring about positive change, not to punish or seek revenge. As St. Paul reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Let us strive to be like our Lord Jesus, who in his righteous anger against injustice in the temple, did not lash out in violence but took decisive action to restore the sacred space to its proper purpose. May our righteous anger similarly lead us to actions that restore, heal, and bring about God’s justice in our world.