²³ The wicked accept a concealed bribe
    to pervert the ways of justice.^(A)

³ Their hands are skilled to do evil;
    the official and the judge ask for a bribe,
and the powerful dictate what they desire;
    thus they pervert justice.^[a](A)

⁸ A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it;
    wherever they turn they prosper.^(A)

¹¹ Its rulers give judgment for a bribe;
    its priests teach for a price;
    its prophets give oracles for money;
yet they lean upon the Lord and say,
    “Surely the Lord is with us!
    No harm shall come upon us.”^(A)

²³ Your princes are rebels
    and companions of thieves.
Everyone loves a bribe
    and runs after gifts.
They do not defend the orphan,
    and the widow’s cause does not come before them.^(A)

¹⁴ A gift in secret averts anger,
    and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.^(A)