§ 1 The text
NASB
Psalm 33:5, NASBHe loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.
The claim this verse counters
“Justice and mercy are in tension, so mercy (sparing the guilty) can override justice.”
§ 2 The argument
God 'loves righteousness and justice,' and the earth is full of His lovingkindness — justice and mercy are united in His character, not opposed. This refutes the idea that showing mercy requires abandoning justice; God holds both.
§ 3 Context & notes
Another foundation text. Also useful against the framing that establishing justice is 'unmerciful,' since the same verse joins justice to lovingkindness.
§ 4 Themes
God loves justice justice and mercy united lovingkindness
§ 5 Discussion questions
- The verse joins justice and lovingkindness in God. Does doing justice for the unborn conflict with mercy — or express it?
- How can mercy toward a coerced mother coexist with justice for the child?
Source transcript
Drawn from
Does the Pro-Life Movement Hate Justice? (T. Russell Hunter, 'Justice Alone') — 'He loves righteousness and justice... Psalm 33:5.'
§ 6 Related
Editorial note
Verse text is quoted from the NASB. Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org