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Pro_17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
Ver. 15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, &c.] To wrong a righteous man in word only is a grievous sin; how much more to murder him under pretence of justice, as they did innocent Naboth; as the bloody Papists do Christ’s faithful witnesses; and as the Jews did Christ himself, crying out, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die." This is to play the thief or manslayer cum privilegio; this is to "frame mischief by a law." {Psa_94:20} The like may be said of that other branch of injustice, the justifying of the wicked. Bonis nocet, qui malis parcit: He wrongs the good that spares the bad; better turn so many wild boars, bears, wolves, leopards loose among them, than these monstrous men of condition, that will either corrupt them, or otherwise mischieve them. For "thou knowest this people is set upon mischief" {Exo_32:22} They cannot sleep, unless they have hurt some one. Neither pertains this proverb to magistrates only, but to private persons too, who must take heed how they precipitate a censure. Herein David was to blame in pronouncing the wicked happy, and condemning the generation of God’s children, {Psa_73:3-16} for the which oversight he afterwards shames and shents himself, yea, befools and be-beasts himself, as well he deserved. {Psa_73:22}