Exo 23:7 | NETfull | STEP | Keep your distance from a false charge – do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify the wicked.

Exodus 23:7

7 Keep your distance ^{▼▼ Or “stay away from,” or “have nothing to do with.”} from a false charge ^{▼▼ Heb “a false matter,” this expression in this context would have to be a case in law that was false or that could only be won by falsehood.} – do not kill the innocent and the righteous, ^{▼▼ The two clauses probably should be related: the getting involved in the false charge could lead to the death of an innocent person (so, e.g., Naboth in 1 Kgs 21:10–13).} for I will not justify the wicked. ^{▼▼ God will not declare right the one who is in the wrong. Society should also be consistent, but it cannot see the intents and motives, as God can.}