Answers (2)
The book of Exodus chapter 22 is telling us that every sin you commit will have a consequence/solution. If it was on purpose or an accident, God tells us that we have to pay for the consequences because it's only fair. So basically treat people how you would like to be treated but keeping in mind that we don't want to deliberately disobey our God Jehovah because right is right and wrong is wrong and he will judge you according to your sin.
To understand the bible, the first thing you have to get straight is TO WHOM it is addressed. Portions of the old testament were given to Jews, gentiles, or all the tribes of Israel. For this passage you go back to Exodus 19:3 "And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;" so these commands applied to all the tribes of Israel. Other sections only apply to the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. For instance the next book is titled "Leviticus" which means "to the levites".