Proverbs 24:23-25 (ESV)
23 These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
Further sayings continue. When making judgments, it is wrong to show preference to the familiar or those who have potential to return the favor. The woman who declares the wicked righteous will lose credibility in her community. On the other hand, society will esteem those who stand up for truth. If you seek to walk on the path of the righteous, know that there are people who watch every move you make. When you approve of evil, they take notice. When you stand up for truth, even it if means you may lose the approval of your peers, your community recognizes that too.Whether fellow believers, the unsaved around you, or even your children, your commitment to stand up for truth impacts the way others perceive you. God and the watching world are pleased when we think and behave justly. The long-term reward for faithfulness far outweighs any short- term pleasure gained by compromise.