Proverbs 21:15

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about accountability:  

Proverbs 21:15 (NASBStr)

The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,

But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:15 (NIV1984)

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous

but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:15 (ESV)

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous

but terror to evildoers.

To sum this proverb up another way: Accountability is hard for those who don't want to be held accountable!!   Holding someone accountable is joyful to those who don't violate but difficult for those who live in violation.   I am in the leadership and organizational culture training business.   I hear so much frustration from members of the organization when team members are not held accountable.  People can't stand it when people get away with evil.   Justice meted out brings joy to those who walk in the way.   We ought not be afraid to exact justice.  Yes, we live in a society that doesn't embrace justice.  We live in a corrupt and a evil society.   Justice to them brings terror, which is why they don't want to see it or talk about it.  They deflect the idea of justice with empty and vain arguments.   But, to those who walk in righteousness (faith in God's way) will always rejoice when justice is exacted on evilness.  But, true justice is based upon God’s word, not man’s standards.   In John 16:8-10 we read that the Holy Spirit is going to “convict” (judge) the world about sin, righteousness and judgment to come.  God’s form of justice is God’s righteousness.   This is how we are to exact justice.   We are to hold others to God’s standards, not man’s lazy way to judge the world.