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.

²¹ An inheritance obtained too early in life
    is not a blessing in the end.

³ The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.

⁶ Wealth created by a lying tongue
    is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.^[a]

⁷ The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.

⁸ The guilty walk a crooked path;
    the innocent travel a straight road.

²² Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
²³ For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
²⁴ A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
²⁵ But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
    rich blessings will be showered on them.

²⁶ An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.

³ A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

⁶ Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich.

⁸ Income from charging high interest rates
    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.