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I. That judges should be IMPARTIAL.

1. In particular towards the poor (ver. 6).

(1) Because the poor are most open to the oppression of the powerful.

(2) Because the poor are often at a disadvantage for the want of technical knowledge or means to procure legal assistance.

(3) Because the poor are easily overawed.

2. In general towards the right (ver. 7, first clause). Not to aid or abet a wrong cause.

II. That judges should be CAUTIOUS, particularly with regard to matters relating to capital punishment. "The innocent and righteous slay thou not."

1. The case must be clearly proved.

2. The accused to have the benefit of the doubt.

3. Because justice would be done. If the criminal escaped an earthly doom, God would "not justify the wicked" (Proverbs 11:21).

III. That judges should be INCORRUPT (ver. 8), either in the shape of direct bribe or indirect present.

1. Because the bribe may blind him to the true merit of the case; and —

2. Because the bribe may weigh down and pervert his judgment on the wrong side.

IV. That judges should be CONSIDERATE (ver. 9), particularly in regard to foreigners. Because —

1. They had been foreigners themselves, and had suffered for the want of consideration.

2. They therefore knew something of the sufferings of foreigners.

(1) Foreigners may be ignorant of the law and unwittingly break it.

(2) When broken, they may know nothing of legal technicalities, or be unable to pay legal expenses.

(J. W. Burn.)

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KJV: Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

WEB: "You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.