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28 In a multitude of people is a king’s splendor,
But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.

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28 A large population brings glory to a king.
Without people a ruler is ruined.

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(A)Excellent lips are not fitting for a [a]wicked fool,
Even less are (B)lying lips for a noble man.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:7 One who rejects wisdom in rebellion against God

Introduction to Fools and Foolishness:
The Consequences of Being a Fool

Eloquent lips are[a] not fitting for a fool.
How much less lying lips for a ruler!

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:7 Or excessive chatter is

(A)Many will seek the favor of a noble man,
And everyone is a friend to a man who (B)gives gifts.

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Many seek the goodwill of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend to a person who gives gifts.

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The Fear of Yahweh

23 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
Understand well [a]what is before you,
So you should put a knife to your throat
If you are a (A)man of appetite.
Do not (B)desire his delicacies,
For it is bread of falsehood.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:1 Or who

23 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
pay close attention to what is put in front of you,
and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.
Do not crave his delicious food.
That food is deceptive.

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15 (A)When one is slow to anger, a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

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15 By patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a soft tongue can break a bone.

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By the transgression of a land (A)many are its princes,
But (B)by a man who understands, who knows, so it endures.

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A rebellious land has many rulers,
but one man with understanding and knowledge provides stability.

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12 If a (A)ruler pays attention to a lying word,
All his ministers become wicked.

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12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.

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26 (A)Many seek the face of a ruler,
But (B)justice for man comes from Yahweh.

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26 Many people seek a ruler’s favor,
but a person gets justice from the Lord.

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