Ezekiel 33:17-20 (NKJV)
17 “Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their way which is not fair! 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. 19 But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it. 20 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.”

Ezekiel is speaking for the Lord and is challenging the Israelites on their statement “the way of the Lord is not fair.” He said the Lord allows the righteous to turn from their righteous ways, but the consequence is death. On the other hand he allows them to turn from their sinful ways and the reward is life. Because the Lord is fair and just they are receiving a warning about what happens. Then the Lord says they will each be judged for their own ways, not as a group, but independently.

Anyone who has been around children enough will eventually hear the words, “it’s not fair.” These words are usually heard when a child feels the parent is not giving consideration to their desires and wants. Instead of listening to the reason of the parent, the child just wants what they have their mind set on. And without listening to reason they say the parents are not fair in their actions. Usually it is the desires of the flesh driving them to their wants and that is why the parent says “no” and is trying to guide them in the right way. The Israelites were children spiritually and it was their own desires they were interested in. They wanted to be able to do wrong and at the same time have the rewards of doing right. And it’s the same way today, people want to do wrong and receive the rewards for doing right. Look at how many people cheat in athletics by using illegal substance and then still want to keep the rewards they obtained. Have you ever done the same in your life? If so pray and tell God and let Him know it was wrong and burdens you. Pray that you learn to do right and ignore the desires of the flesh.