What does Exodus 23:2 teach us about not following the crowd?

Answer

In the context of many laws comprising the Mosaic Covenant (often referred to as the Mosaic Law), God instructs Israel not to follow the crowd in doing evil: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2a). He also emphasizes that the people should not alter their testimony to align with the crowd in perverting justice: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2b). Popular opinion does not necessarily reflect God’s perspective, and He cautions against following the crowd’s wisdom.

Paul contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world, acknowledging that people do not come to know God through popular or worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20-21). God did not select many individuals whom the world would consider wise, powerful, or noble: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). Instead, He chose those who were not esteemed by the world so that they would boast in God rather than in themselves (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Similarly, in his letter to the Colossians, Paul warns against being captivated by popular philosophies, traditions, and elementary principles that are not of Christ: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, af”After the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8).

Solomon discusses this contrast in the context of “under the sun” thinking versus “beyond the sun” thinking. He explains how under the sun there is nothing of lasting meaning, and how the pursuits of life are fleeting and ultimately empty. For example, see Ecclesiastes 1:14. On the other hand, when one is pursuing the basic functions of life in recognition of God, there is joy and fulfillment (Ecclesiastes 2:4; Ecclesiastes 12:13). Jesus was not silent on this contrast either. He describes that there is a broad way taken by many that leads to destruction; on the other hand, there is a narrow way that few take, and it leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

The challenge for us is that we are creatures who prefer the approval of those around us. Peer pressure is a powerful thing, but the Bible shows us the importance of not following the crowd, but rather seeking to follow what is right in the eyes of God. As Paul put it, we should not be conformed to the world system; instead, we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2) through what God has communicated in His Word. Following the crowds will get us in trouble. Peer pressure is such a temptation for people that, even as part of God’s law for Israel revealed through Moses, God warned the people not to be pressured to follow the crowd into wrongdoing.