Proverbs 24:11

Does this verse justify breaking the law to stop abortions?

PROBLEM: Solomon urged here that we “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Does this justify illegal attempts to “rescue” babies by blocking pregnant women’s path into legal abortion clinics?

SOLUTION: This passage does not justify breaking the laws of God-ordained human government (cf. Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13), even if we believe they are unjust laws. The only time believers are allowed to disobey the law is when it compels them to sin, not when itpermits someone else to sin (see comments on Exodus 1:15-21). Otherwise, we would be obligated to block the doors to non-Christian churches or temples where they are sinning by worshiping false gods. We should disobey a law that compels us to worship idols (Daniel 3), but we should not disobey one that permits others to do so.

Furthermore, this text (Proverbs 24) does not support illegal attempted “rescues” for several reasons. First, the chapter does not support civil disobedience; it commands civil obedience. It says, “fear the Lord and the king” (v. 21), and fear implies obedience to His commands (cf. Romans 13:1; Romans 13:3 and Titus 3:1). Second, those being led away to death (24:11) are victims of those breaking the law; they were not the lawbreakers. In other words, they were being carried away contrary to the law, whereas legal abortion is occurring in accordance with the law.