The old man pleads with the worthless fellows, Do not act so wickedly.
The verb he uses deliberately links their (planned) behaviour with the general evil of the nation during the time of the judges; it is the same word used in the introduction to each of the judges cycles: The Israelites did what is evil in the sight of the Lord
(Judges 2:11; Judges 3:7, Judges 3:12; Judges 4:1; Judges 6:1; Judges 10:6; Judges 13:1).
23 And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing.