Deuteronomy 25:2-4

Modern English Version

² It must be, if the wicked man is worthy to be beaten, then the judge must make him lie down and be beaten in his presence, with the number of strikes his guilt deserves. ³ He may give him forty stripes, but no more, lest, if he should exceed and beat him more with numerous stripes, then your brother may appear contemptible to you.

⁴ You must not muzzle the ox when he treads out the grain.