Thematic Bible: Before litigation, encouraged
Thematic Bible
Compromise » Before litigation, encouraged
Do not be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you? Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not betray the confidence of another; lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.
Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Truly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.
For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."