Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?

The LORD your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes.

Honor the LORD and act carefully, because the LORD our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes."

Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.

For God judges everyone by the same standard.

But those who seemed to be the leaders---I say this because it makes no difference to me what they were; God does not judge by outward appearances---those leaders, I say, made no new suggestions to me.

Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.

And all wrongdoers will be repaid for the wrong things they do, because God judges everyone by the same standard.

You call him Father, when you pray to God, who judges all people by the same standard, according to what each one has done; so then, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him.

Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe;

he humbles priests and men of power.

He disgraces those in power and puts an end to the strength of rulers.

Their kings revolt, their rulers plot together against the LORD and against the king he chose.

From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans.

Don't be surprised when you see that the government oppresses the poor and denies them justice and their rights. Every official is protected by someone higher, and both are protected by still higher officials.

The LORD is bringing the elders and leaders of his people to judgment. He makes this accusation: "You have plundered vineyards, and your houses are full of what you have taken from the poor.

It will do you no good to cry out for help; all your strength can't help you now.

by evil people who trust in their riches and boast of their great wealth.

We can never redeem ourselves; we cannot pay God the price for our lives,

Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

The same God who created me created my servants also.

If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship.

The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD made them both.