Do not follow the majority when they do wrong or when they give testimony that perverts justice.

Do not show partiality to a poor person at his trial.

They are not to be unjust or show partiality in their judgments; and they are not to accept bribes, for gifts blind the eyes even of wise and honest men, and cause them to give wrong decisions.

" 'God's curse on anyone who deprives foreigners, orphans, and widows of their rights.' "And all the people will answer, 'Amen!'

Honor the LORD and act carefully, because the LORD our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes."

When any of my servants complained against me, I would listen and treat them fairly.

If I have ever cheated an orphan, knowing I could win in court,

then may my arms be broken; may they be torn from my shoulders.

Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans; be fair to the needy and the helpless.

Rescue them from the power of evil people.

Don't be surprised when you see that the government oppresses the poor and denies them justice and their rights. Every official is protected by someone higher, and both are protected by still higher officials.

You are doomed! You make unjust laws that oppress my people.

That is how you keep the poor from having their rights and from getting justice. That is how you take the property that belongs to widows and orphans.

why they are fat and well fed. There is no limit to their evil deeds. They do not give orphans their rights or show justice to the oppressed.

They are all stubborn rebels, hard as bronze and iron. They are all corrupt, going around and spreading gossip.

Stop taking advantage of aliens, orphans, and widows. Stop killing innocent people in this land. Stop worshiping other gods, for that will destroy you.

You have oppressed the poor and robbed them of their grain. And so you will not live in the fine stone houses you build or drink wine from the beautiful vineyards you plant.

I know how terrible your sins are and how many crimes you have committed. You persecute good people, take bribes, and prevent the poor from getting justice in the courts.

Listen, you rulers of Israel! You are supposed to be concerned about justice,

You eat my people up. You strip off their skin, break their bones, and chop them up like meat for the pot.

Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own people.

Its officials are like roaring lions; its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave a bone until morning.

The LORD Almighty says, "I will appear among you to judge, and I will testify at once against those who practice magic, against adulterers, against those who give false testimony, those who cheat employees out of their wages, and those who take advantage of widows, orphans, and foreigners---against all who do not respect me.

Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich!