For every offense involving property, whether it concerns ox, donkey, sheep, clothing, or any piece of lost property, which another identifies as his, the case of both parties shall come before the judges [who act in God’s name]. Whomever the judges pronounce guilty shall pay double to his neighbor.

Keep far away from a false charge or action, and do not condemn to death the innocent or the righteous, for I will not justify and acquit the guilty.

“Though I am innocent and in the right, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty;Though I am blameless, He would denounce me as guilty.

“I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me [and declare me guilty]!Show me why You contend and argue and struggle with me.

“Shall one who hates justice [and is an enemy of right] govern?And will you condemn Him who is just and mighty?

“When He keeps quiet, who then can condemn?When He hides His face [withdrawing His favor and help], who then can behold Him [and make supplication to Him],Whether it be a nation or a man by himself?—

“Will you really annul My judgment and set it aside as void?Will you condemn Me [your God] that you may [appear to] be righteous and justified?

Why has the wicked spurned and shown disrespect to God?He has said to himself, “You will not require me to account.”

The Lord will not leave him in his handOr let him be condemned when he is judged.

They band themselves together against the life of the righteousAnd condemn the innocent to death.

For He will stand at the right hand of the needy,To save him from those who judge his soul.

In fact, the Lord God helps Me;Who is he who condemns Me [as guilty]?Indeed, they will all wear out like a garment;The moth will eat them.

Do not treat us with contempt and condemn us, for Your own name’s sake;Do not disgrace Your glorious throne;Remember [with consideration] and do not break Your [solemn] covenant with us.

And they, righteous men, will judge and condemn them with the judgment (punishment) of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands.