Exodus 23:7

“Keep thee far from a false matter, etc.] Or “word” f724; from receiving a false testimony, or taking the false or wrong side of a cause, or engaging in a bad one; keep aloof off from it, as much at a distance from it as possible: and the innocent and the righteous slay thou not; that is, do not condemn them to death, nor join with the majority in their condemnation, if they appear to be innocent and righteous; nor give orders, or join in giving orders to the executioner to put such to death. The Targum of Jonathan is, “he that goes righteous out of the house of thy judgment (out of the sanhedrim, to which he belonged), and they find out his sin (afterwards), and he that goes out guilty, and…”

“Four precepts evidently addressed to those in authority as judges: (a) To do justice to the poor. ComparingExodus 23:6; Exodus 23:6 with Exodus 23:3, it was the part of the judge to defend the poor against the oppression of the rich, and the part of the witness to take care lest his feelings of natural pity should tempt him to falsify evidence. (b) To be cautious of inflicting capital punishment on one whose guilt was not clearly proved. A doubtful case was rather to be left to God Himself, who would “not justify the wicked,” nor suffer him to go unpunished though he might be acquitted by an earthly tribunal. Exodus 23:7. (c) To take no bribe or present which might in any way pervert…”

“Keep thee far from a false matter - From assisting or abetting an ill thing. Yea, keep thee far from it, dread it as a dangerous snare. I will not justify the wicked - That is, I will condemn him that unjustly condemns others. Exodus 23:9”

“23:7 God’s character is the motive for righteous behavior (see 22:22-24, 27).”

“far from: Exo 23:1; Lev 19:11; Deu 19:16-21; Job 22:23; Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15; Isa 33:15; Luk 3:14; Eph 4:25; Th1 5:22 the innocent: Deu 27:25 for I will not: Exo 34:7; Pro 17:15; Nah 1:3; Rom 1:18, Rom 2:5, Rom 2:6 Exodus 23:8”