⁸ A bribe seems magical in the eyes of those who give it,
    granting success to all who use it.

²³ The wicked take secret bribes
    to twist the way of justice.

²¹ Inheritance gained quickly at first
    won’t bless later on.

³ Acting with righteousness and justice
    is more valued by the Lord than sacrifice.

⁶ Those who gain treasure with lies
    are like a drifting fog, leading to death.
⁷ The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
    for they refuse to act with justice.
⁸ The ways of some people are twisted and strange,
    but the behavior of those who do right is pure.

²² Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor.
    Don’t oppress the needy in the gate.
²³ The Lord will take up their case
    and press the life out of those who oppress them.^[a]

Partiality in judgment isn’t good.

²⁴ Those who say to the guilty, “You are innocent”—
    the people will curse them.
    Nations will condemn them.
²⁵ But it will go well for those who rebuke them.
    A rich blessing will come to them.
²⁶ Those who speak honestly
    are like those who kiss on the lips.

³ Poor people who oppress the needy
    are rain that washes away food.

⁶ Better to be poor and walk in innocence
    than to be on crooked paths and wealthy.

⁸ Those who become rich through high interest rates
    gather money for those who are generous to the poor.