Proverbs 1:3

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment and equity.

Judgment and equity

“Judgment” is used for discerning right from wrong; for the law, manner, or rule of it; for punishment or execution of judgment. “Equity” in Hebrew means, straight ways, that go on foreright, and even, like plains; when men go not uphill and downhill in their actions, but proceed in an even course. It signifies also a thing right in God’s or man’s eyes, which they approve as just and equal. Some understand by equity moderation, that we use not the extremity of the law, nor do all that we may. Others, integrity of mind in working and discerning. The doctrines suggested are--

1. Matters of practice must not be perceived only, but received. There is a piercing of truth into the understanding, and receiving of it into the judgment.

2. Knowledge is ordinarily received from others.

3. A spiritual wisdom is required to guide all our actions.

4. Every cue’s right must be preserved.

5. Men must study to know how to judge of interests.

6. Extremity of justice is not always to be used; moderation sometimes is to be exercised. (Francis Taylor.)