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15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people
    as a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16 A ruler without wisdom will be cruel,
    but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time.

17 Don’t help those who are guilty of murder;
    let them run until they die.

18 Innocent people will be kept safe,
    but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.

19 Those who work their land will have plenty of food,
    but the ones who chase empty dreams instead will end up poor.

20 A truthful person will have many blessings,
    but those eager to get rich will be punished.

21 It is not good for a judge to take sides,
    but some will sin for only a piece of bread.

22 Selfish people are in a hurry to get rich
    and do not realize they soon will be poor.

23 Those who correct others will later be liked
    more than those who give false praise.

24 Whoever robs father or mother
    and says, “It’s not wrong,”
    is just like someone who destroys things.

25 A greedy person causes trouble,
    but the one who trusts the Lord will succeed.

26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish,
    but those who live wisely will be kept safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will have everything he needs,
    but the one who ignores the poor will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked get control, everybody hides,
    but when they die, good people do well.

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