²¹ But select capable men^(A) from all the people—men who fear^(B) God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain^(C)—and appoint them as officials^(D) over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

³ Brothers and sisters,^(A) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^(B) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them^(C)

⁵ He appointed judges^(A) in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. ⁶ He told them, “Consider carefully what you do,^(B) because you are not judging for mere mortals^(C) but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. ⁷ Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice^(D) or partiality^(E) or bribery.”

⁸ In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites,^(F) priests^(G) and heads of Israelite families to administer^(H) the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. ⁹ He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. ¹⁰ In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord;^(I) otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.

¹³ Choose some wise, understanding and respected men^(A) from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

¹⁴ You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.”

¹⁵ So I took^(B) the leading men of your tribes,^(C) wise and respected men,^(D) and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders^(E) of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials.^{(F) 16} And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge^(G) fairly,^(H) whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you.^{(I) 17} Do not show partiality^(J) in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone,^(K) for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”^(L)

Judges

¹⁸ Appoint judges^(A) and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.^{(B) 19} Do not pervert justice^(C) or show partiality.^(D) Do not accept a bribe,^(E) for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.