Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To

Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.

You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself? …

You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. …

If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. …

If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, …

If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned. …

If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. …

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. …

“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah …

These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink,

…who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.

On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people,

…a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy.

You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.

Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.

Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.

Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”