¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
    both are detestable to the Lord.

²⁶ It is wrong to punish the godly for being good
    or to flog leaders for being honest.

⁵ It is not right to acquit the guilty
    or deny justice to the innocent.

¹⁵ Justice is a joy to the godly,
    but it terrifies evildoers.

¹¹ Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;
    save them as they stagger to their death.
¹² Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
    For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
    He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
²⁴ A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
²⁵ But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
    rich blessings will be showered on them.

⁵ Evil people don’t understand justice,
    but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor,
    but justice comes from the Lord.