Systems, records, and personal responsibility

Exodus 23:1–9; Proverbs 11:1; Mark 3:1–6

Use your preferred translation.

When a procedure harms someone, what responsibility remains ours?

• What does the passage say? Restate it in your own words before interpreting it.
• Who is speaking, and to whom?
• What is the surrounding context — what comes just before and after?
• Which words or phrases repeat or stand out?

1. Exodus 23 forbids following a crowd to do evil. How might a system function like a crowd?
2. Proverbs 11 says a false balance is an abomination. What are modern equivalents of false weights?
3. In Mark 3, Jesus asks whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Why are the leaders silent?

Is there a policy or practice you take part in that harms someone? What could you do within your role?

This week, when a rule leaves someone unhelped, look for one legitimate way to help them anyway.

Ask God for integrity in your work and courage to act when procedures harm people.