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Better to have little, with godliness,
    than to be rich and dishonest.

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A little gained honestly is better than great wealth gotten by dishonest means.

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Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(A) with injustice.(B)

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10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;
    he must never judge unfairly.

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10 God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.

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10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth does not betray justice.(A)

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12 A king detests wrongdoing,
    for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
    the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life;
    his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

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12 It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.[a]

13 The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair.

14 The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

15 Many favors are showered on those who please the king.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:12 His right to rule depends upon his fairness, literally, “For the throne is established by righteousness.”

12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.(A)

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.(B)

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(C)
    but the wise will appease it.(D)

15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;(E)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.(F)

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