¹⁵ A good man loves justice, but it is a calamity to evildoers.

⁸ The unjust tyrant will reap disaster, and his reign of terror shall end.

^22-23 Don’t rob the poor and sick! For the Lord is their defender. If you injure them, he will punish you.

^11-12 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God, who knows all hearts, knows yours, and he knows you knew! And he will reward everyone according to his deeds.

^4-5 When you remove dross from silver, you have sterling ready for the silversmith. When you remove corrupt men from the king’s court, his reign will be just and fair.

⁵ Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it.

⁴ A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

²⁶ Do you want justice? Don’t fawn on the judge, but ask the Lord for it!

²⁷ The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.

⁸ You should defend those who cannot help themselves. ⁹ Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.