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18 But these hiding in the shadows and waiting to spill innocent blood
    are really just hastening their own destruction!
By giving in to their sinful desires,
    they set themselves up to be ambushed.
19 This is what happens to everyone who tries to profit by violence;
    violence will eventually rob them of their very lives.

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18 These men lie in wait(A) for their own blood;
    they ambush only themselves!(B)
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
    it takes away the life of those who get it.(C)

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16 It is better to live with less and honor the Eternal
    than to have riches and carry the burdens that come with them.

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16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.(A)

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27 Those who take illegal gains injure their families,
    but those who refuse a bribe will live in peace.

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27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.(A)

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26 All day, every day the greedy want more,
    while those who live right give generously.

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26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous(A) give without sparing.(B)

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We do not like or want to believe it, but there are limits to what humans can accomplish. Whatever wisdom and knowledge we think we possess is nothing compared to God’s. Whatever plans we make will come to nothing unless they line up with God’s plans and purposes for us.

22 A good reputation is preferable to riches,
    and the approval of others is better than precious silver or gold.

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22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.(A)

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16 When you find honey, remember to eat only what you need,
    because if you eat in excess, you may be sick and lose all of it.

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16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
    too much of it, and you will vomit.(A)

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20 Neither the grave nor destruction is ever satisfied;
    the desires of people are never totally fulfilled.

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20 Death and Destruction[a] are never satisfied,(A)
    and neither are human eyes.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:20 Hebrew Abaddon

It is better to be a pauper walking in integrity
    than a dishonest man, even if he is rich.

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Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than the rich whose ways are perverse.(A)

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Anyone who increases his wealth by charging a high rate of interest
    is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor.

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Whoever increases wealth by taking interest(A) or profit from the poor
    amasses it for another,(B) who will be kind to the poor.(C)

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22 A greedy person is in a hurry to get rich,
    but he is ignorant of the loss that is about to overtake him.

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22 The stingy are eager to get rich
    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.(A)

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25 When the greedy want more, they stir up trouble;
    but when a person trusts in the Eternal, he’s sure to prosper.

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25 The greedy stir up conflict,(A)
    but those who trust in the Lord(B) will prosper.

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A king brings stability to a land with his justice,
    but one who makes unjust demands brings it to ruin.

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By justice a king gives a country stability,(A)
    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give