Exodus 23:1-9

New International Reader's Version

Laws About Mercy and Fairness

23 “Do not spread reports that are false. Do not help a guilty person by telling lies in court.

² “Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong. When you are a witness in court, do not turn what is right into what is wrong. Do not go along with the crowd. ³ Do not show favor to a poor person in court.

⁴ “Suppose you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering away. Then be sure to return it. ⁵ Suppose you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has fallen down under its load. Then do not leave it there. Be sure you help them with it.

⁶ “Be fair to your poor people in their court cases. ⁷ Do not have anything to do with a false charge. Do not put to death people not guilty of doing anything wrong. I will not let guilty people go free.

⁸ “Do not take money from people who want special favors. It makes you blind to the truth. It twists the words of good people.

⁹ “Do not treat outsiders badly. You yourselves know how it feels to be outsiders. Remember, you were outsiders in Egypt.