A Long Memory of Justice

John Quincy Adams (1767–1848) had a long and distinguished life of public service as diplomat, lawyer, legislator, and president. A few months before his death, recovering from the effects of a stroke, he recorded this memory in his diary:

“‘Glory to Almighty God—His will be done—He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.’ Proverbs 17:15. This quotation from Scripture was repeated to me in the year 1787 by Theophilus Parsons, with whom I was then a student at law at Newbury Port—In the course of my daily reading of the Scripture this morning I came to it again—Fifty years have passed away since it was impressed upon my memory and committed to my heart as a precept of heavenly wisdom.”

Reflection

• What do you see in this personal writing from the former president? 
• Why do you think this Bible passage stayed with the young law student? 
• Do you keep a journal to remember incidents like this? 
• Spend some time with this proverb today, and the preceding verses in Proverbs 17. Does any of this “heavenly wisdom” stand out to you? 
• If you are on social media, how would these verses apply? 
• What about other civic roles you have, from voter to officeholder?