Exodus 23:7

Keep your distance ¹  from a false charge ²  – do not kill the innocent and the righteous, ³  for I will not justify the wicked. ⁴ 

Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

"Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.

"Keep far away from falsely charging anyone with evil. Never put an innocent or honest person to death. I will not allow anyone guilty of this to go free.

"Stay clear of false accusations. Don't contribute to the death of innocent and good people. I don't let the wicked off the hook.

Keep yourselves far from any false business; never let the upright or him who has done no wrong be put to death: for I will make the evil-doer responsible for his sin.

Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and those in the right, for I will not acquit the guilty.

"Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.

Keep your distance ¹  from a false charge ²  – do not kill the innocent and the righteous, ³  for I will not justify the wicked. ⁴ 

¹ tn Or “stay away from,” or “have nothing to do with.”

² 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.

³ 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).

⁴ 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.