231 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.
231 Thou shalt not raise
231 "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
231 "Don't pass on malicious gossip.
231 "You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
231 "You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 23:1
Commentary on Exodus 23:1-9
(Read Exodus 23:1-9)
In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling, and of true political wisdom. Every thing in it is suited to the desired and avowed object, the worship of one only God, and the separation of Israel from the pagan world. Neither parties, friends, witnesses, nor common opinions, must move us to lessen great faults, to aggravate small ones, excuse offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent any thing.