²⁷ Greed brings grief to the whole family,
    but those who hate bribes will live.

⁸ A bribe is like a lucky charm;
    whoever gives one will prosper!

²³ The wicked take secret bribes
    to pervert the course of justice.

¹⁶ Giving a gift can open doors;
    it gives access to important people!

¹⁴ A secret gift calms anger;
    a bribe under the table pacifies fury.

²¹ Showing partiality is never good,
    yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

⁴ A just king gives stability to his nation,
    but one who demands bribes destroys it.