Exodus 23:7

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


tn Or “stay away from,” or “have nothing to do with.”

tn 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.

tn 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).

sn 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.