4. Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the lord, the God of their ancestors.
5. He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns,
6. and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case.
7. Fear the lord and judge with integrity, for the lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”
8. In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the lord’s regulations and for civil disputes.
9. These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.