Exodus 23:6
““You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.”
What does Exodus 23:6 mean?
In ancient Israel, as in many societies, poor people faced real barriers to justice. They couldn't afford lawyers, their voices carried less weight, and those in power could easily ignore them. This command cuts directly against that tendency, telling leaders and judges that economic status has no place in the courtroom. Justice belongs to everyone equally, and the vulnerable deserve special protection precisely because they have the fewest other resources. It's a reminder that a community's character is measured not by how it treats the wealthy and powerful, but by whether it stands up for those with the least ability to stand up for themselves.