25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, {a} that [the judges] may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
(a) Whether there is a plaintiff or not, the magistrates should try our faults, and punish according to the crime.
25:1 Justify - Acquit him from guilt and false accusations, and free him from punishment.
25:1-3 Every punishment should be with solemnity, that those who see it may be filled with dread, and be warned not to offend in like manner. And though the criminals must be shamed as well as put to pain, for their warning and disgrace, yet care should be taken that they do not appear totally vile. Happy those who are chastened of the Lord to humble them, that they should not be condemned with the world to destruction.
