Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case.

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.

Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy."

"I, the LORD, command you to do what is just and right. Protect the person who is being cheated from the one who is cheating him. Do not mistreat or oppress aliens, orphans, or widows; and do not kill innocent people in this holy place.

Does it make you a better king if you build houses of cedar, finer than those of others? Your father enjoyed a full life. He was always just and fair, and he prospered in everything he did.

He gave the poor a fair trial, and all went well with him. That is what it means to know the LORD.

So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous."

No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.

Turn to the LORD, all you humble people of the land, who obey his commands. Do what is right, and humble yourselves before the LORD. Perhaps you will escape punishment on the day when the LORD shows his anger.

"Long ago I gave these commands to my people: 'You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another.

Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need. And do not plan ways of harming one another.'

These are the things you should do: Speak the truth to one another. In the courts give real justice---the kind that brings peace.