In a world where wickedness seems to reign, injustice and oppression appear as two of the bitterest fruits of this fallen human condition. They are the direct consequence of selfish, prideful hearts blinded by the lust for power. As they attack social relationships and take root in human structures, these evils turn societies into places of suffering, where the weakest often endure the worst abuses.

The Bible firmly condemns injustice and oppression, and calls us to a life of justice, charity, and compassion. Yet, it remains essential to understand the nature of these destructive forces in order to better fight against them. By analyzing how wickedness manifests itself in social relationships and power structures, and by addressing the devastating effects of violence, war, and human exploitation, we gain deeper insight into these plagues and how God calls us to expose and correct them.

Injustice in social relationships is a phenomenon that has spanned across ages. Human wickedness often expresses itself most vilely through the exploitation of another’s weakness. In Scripture, we frequently encounter stories of domination and abuse of power — from the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt to the persecution of the poor and marginalized by the powerful.

These accounts serve as warnings for future generations. The prophet Amos, for example, speaks to the people of Israel to denounce the oppression of the poor and social injustice, declaring:

“They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.” (Amos 2:6)

This statement reminds us that injustice feeds on selfishness and contempt for human dignity.

In our modern societies, injustice manifests in many forms: discrimination, economic inequality, worker exploitation, and marginalization of the weakest. Each time individuals or groups seek to dominate or exploit others, they contribute to this spiral of wickedness.

Social injustice is not limited to individuals; it is often rooted in broader structures — in systems and institutions that favor some at the expense of others. Whether through discriminatory laws or unfair economic policies, social structures can become instruments of oppression for the most vulnerable.

The Bible calls us to resist these forces by reminding us that every human being is made in the image of God and possesses inalienable dignity. “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24), Amos further proclaims, emphasizing the importance of defending the oppressed and working toward a just society.

This passage is a personal invitation to each of us, an exhortation not to remain passive in the face of injustice. If we choose to close our eyes to injustice, we become complicit in this wickedness, helping to perpetuate the suffering of the innocent.

Social relationships should be spaces of respect, support, and compassion, but wickedness often transforms them into arenas of conflict and competition. When individualism prevails, social ties unravel, and the weakest become the first victims. In the New Testament, Jesus calls his disciples to genuine brotherhood founded on love for one’s neighbor. He tells them:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

This statement links the fate of the oppressed to that of Jesus himself, making every act of justice or injustice an act toward God. Wickedness in social relationships, therefore, stands in direct opposition to Christ’s call, which invites us to sacrifice ourselves for others and care for those in need.

However, fighting against injustice does not only mean denouncing individual behavior; it also requires transforming the social structures that enable or encourage oppression. Institutions, political systems, and economic models are powerful forces that deeply influence people’s lives. When these structures are corrupted by human wickedness, they become tools of domination and control.

Corruption, for example, is a manifestation of institutionalized injustice. By diverting public resources for personal gain, the corrupt deprive communities of the means necessary to thrive. King Solomon, in Proverbs, warns:

“When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.” (Proverbs 20:8)

This verse highlights the importance of having upright leaders, capable of judging fairly and resisting the temptations of corruption.

Injustice and oppression are not limited to social relationships and power structures; they also manifest through acts of violence, war, and human exploitation. Since the dawn of human history, violence has been used as a means to enslave, control, and destroy. The Bible is full of stories of war and conflict and does not minimize the gravity of such acts. In Proverbs, it is written:

“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” (Proverbs 11:17)

This implies that violence is not only an act of wickedness against others but also destructive to the one who commits it.

War, though often justified for security or defense, is frequently the result of greed, pride, and selfishness. Nations clash for power, resources, or supremacy, leaving behind devastated populations and ruined lands. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah condemns the hypocrisy of leaders who fight for selfish reasons while claiming to act for justice. He says:

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees.” (Isaiah 10:1)

Violence and war, far from solving human problems, only worsen wickedness by fueling hatred, revenge, and resentment. Human exploitation is another expression of this institutionalized wickedness. Slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation are practices that reduce people to objects — commodities to be owned, used, and discarded. The Bible strongly condemns such exploitation. In Exodus, God tells Moses:

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21)

This verse reminds us that injustice toward foreigners and the vulnerable is a grave sin in the eyes of God. Human exploitation, in all its forms, denies the dignity of the person and opposes the commandment to love one’s neighbor. Violence, war, and human exploitation have devastating consequences — not only for the victims, but for society as a whole. They shatter communities, destroy families, and create cycles of suffering that endure through generations. Jesus, in preaching peace and forgiveness, calls us to break these cycles of violence. He says:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

This beatitude shows that peace is an essential value for those who follow Christ, and that true justice can only be achieved through peaceful means. By denouncing violence, war, and human exploitation, the Bible calls us to act for justice and to defend the rights of the oppressed. The prophet Micah summarizes this calling in a striking way:

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

This command is a constant reminder that our faith must be demonstrated through concrete acts of justice, mercy, and love for others.

To fight wickedness in everyday life, it is essential to develop an awareness of injustice and oppression. This begins with recognizing the social structures and individual behaviors that fuel these evils.

Then, each person must choose to actively engage in transforming their environment. Whether through acts of solidarity, community initiatives, or the denunciation of abuse, it is possible to contribute to building a more just society.

Injustice and oppression are manifestations of wickedness, but they must not have the final word. The Christian faith calls us to be agents of peace and justice, to fight against the forces of evil, and to defend the weakest. Through prayer, love for our neighbor, and concrete action, we can help create a world that better reflects the values of the Kingdom of God — a world where injustice and oppression will no longer have a place.

This text is an excerpt from the book “The Wickedness of the Human Heart” written by Préfradet Bantsimba Baloutelaho.

We invite you to read the following article: “Grace and the Transformation of the Heart.”