¹⁷ Do not show partiality^(A) in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone,^(B) for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”^(C)

²⁶ They served as judges^(A) for the people at all times. The difficult cases^(B) they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.^(C)

⁹ But if you show favoritism,^(A) you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.^(B)

¹⁹ Do not pervert justice^(A) or show partiality.^(B) Do not accept a bribe,^(C) for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.

Further Sayings of the Wise

²³ These also are sayings of the wise:^(A)

⁶ He told them, “Consider carefully what you do,^(A) because you are not judging for mere mortals^(B) but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.

¹⁵ “‘Do not pervert justice;^(A) do not show partiality^(B) to the poor or favoritism to the great,^(C) but judge your neighbor fairly.^(D)

²² Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case^(A) to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share^(B) it with you.