Proverbs 12:10 - Homiletics

Justice to animals

I. ANIMALS HAVE RIGHTS WHICH MAY BE OUTRAGED BY INJUSTICE . We hear more of kindness to animals than of justice towards them. It seems to be assumed that they have no rights, and that all our consideration for them must spring from pure generosity, perhaps even from a superabundant condescension. The exercise of it is treated almost as a work of supererogation. These assumptions are based on an inordinate regard for our own supremacy. Man may consider himself as the lord of creation. If he may take this exalted view of himself, he cannot on that account shake off all obligations towards the dumb serfs on his estate. This natural feudalism requires protection, etc; from the aristocracy of creation, while it allows of the exaction of dues from the underlings. For we are all animals, though men are more than animals. All orders of creation are made by one God, and all sham in many common wants and feelings. The young lions are represented as crying to God for their food, and he as giving them their meat in due season. Christ tells us that God feeds the ravens—those wild birds of the mountains, while not a homely sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father. It is not for us to be above giving their due to fellow creatures for whom God cares so tenderly. These animals not only make mute appeals to our compassion; they cannot be ill treated without injustice.

II. THE CHARACTER OF A MAN WILL BE REVEALED BY HIS TREATMENT OF ANIMALS .

1 . Character is revealed in the treatment of the helpless . A man's cattle are his property, and they are in his power. He is more free in his treatment of them than in his behaviour towards his fellow men. Therefore his true character will come out the more clearly when he is in his stable than when he is in his dining room.

2 . The lower creatures claim consideration.

3. Lack of consideration for animals is a sign of a base nature. The very sympathy of the wicked is cruelty, but this cruelty is not possible without the evil heart, of which it is the corrupt fruit. The brutal cattle drover, and the heartless horseman who lashes his weary, patient animal, do but make a public exhibition of their own low natures.