Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Defend the poor and fatherless - literally, 'Judge,' etc., in contrast to dismissing unheard those who appeal to them for justice, as the unjust judge for a length of time dismissed the widow who came unto him continually, saying, "Avenge me of mine adversary" (Luke 18:3; cf. Isaiah 1:17). Every prince, saith Luther, should get these three verses, yea, the whole psalm, painted upon the walls of his room, upon his bed, over his table, and even upon his clothes. For here they will find what high, princely virtue their situation demands; so that assuredly worldly supremacy, next to the office of the ministry, is the highest service of God, and the most profitable duty upon earth.