2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

Other Translations of Exodus 23:2

King James Version

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak speak: Heb. answer in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

English Standard Version

2 You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,

The Message

2 Don't go along with the crowd in doing evil and don't fudge your testimony in a case just to please the crowd.

New King James Version

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.

New Living Translation

2 "You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 23:2

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.