Isaiah 1:23
Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
The princes are the rulers and teachers of Judah and Jerusalem, rebellious against God and corrupt in the leadership entrusted to them. The charge belongs to the once faithful city where righteousness dwelt, now fallen into unfaithfulness and corruption. Its silver has become dross and its wine mixed with water, and where righteousness once lodged, murderers now lodge instead.
The rulers have become companions of thieves, every one loving gifts and bribes and following after rewards and profit. They do not judge or defend the fatherless, and the cause of the widow does not come unto them. Justice for orphans and protection and advocacy for widows are withheld, and this neglect is itself part of the city's corruption.
In the curse of drunkenness this means rulers who license the liquor traffic for gain join themselves to dealers who rob men of reason and life. They take profit and rewards from a murderous trade, while the wives and children left destitute by drink receive no judgment or protection. The verse also describes the condition of Jerusalem when Christ came, with Israel fulfilling this vision. Yet Christ pleads and weeps over the rebellious city as over a beloved son, while the Lord declares He will ease Himself of His adversaries and avenge Himself of His enemies.