Sober As A Judge

We, The Americans from The United States of America have an expression we use that I wish would be spread further to other countries.  The expression that we have is this:

"Sober as a judge."

Me: where in the bible does it say not to bribe judges, what other laws are there for judges in the bible old testament nasb 1995

Google Gemini: 

You're looking for specific guidance for judges in the Old Testament (NASB 1995), particularly regarding bribery. Here's where you'll find that and other relevant laws:

Prohibition Against Bribery:

The most direct prohibition against bribing judges is found in Deuteronomy 16:19:

You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor shall you take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.

A similar warning is also found in Exodus 23:8:

You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.

Other Laws and Principles for Judges in the Old Testament (NASB 1995):

Beyond bribery, the Old Testament lays out several other important principles and laws for those appointed to judge:

• Impartiality and Fairness: Judges are repeatedly commanded to be impartial and not show favoritism based on social status, wealth, or personal relationships.

  • Deuteronomy 1:16-17: "At that time I charged your judges, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your fellow countrymen, and judge righteously between a man and his fellow countryman, or between him and a stranger. You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be afraid of any man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too difficult for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’"
  • Leviticus 19:15: "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you shall judge your neighbor fairly."
  • Proverbs 24:23: "To show partiality in judgment is not good."

• Seeking Justice and Righteousness: The overarching goal of their judgments should be to uphold justice and righteousness.

  • Deuteronomy 16:20: "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you."
  • Psalm 82:3-4: "Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

• Careful Inquiry and Due Diligence: Judges were expected to investigate matters thoroughly before making a ruling.

  • Deuteronomy 13:14: "then you shall investigate and search thoroughly and inquire diligently. If it is true and the matter established that this abomination has been done in your midst..." (This principle applies to investigating accusations, which judges would oversee).

• Avoiding Perversion of Justice: This is a broader principle that encompasses more than just bribery. It includes twisting the law or misapplying it for personal gain or other improper motives.

  • Deuteronomy 16:19 (as mentioned above): "...You shall not pervert justice..."

• Wisdom and Discernment: While not a direct law, the need for wisdom and discernment is implied in the responsibility entrusted to judges. They were expected to understand the law and apply it fairly and wisely to complex situations.

  • The story of Solomon's wise judgment in 1 Kings 3:16-28 serves as an example of the kind of wisdom expected.

These laws and principles highlight the high standard of integrity and fairness expected of those who administered justice in ancient Israel. They were seen as representatives of God's own justice, and therefore held to a strict account.