28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.(A)

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28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but a shortage of people is a ruler’s ruin.

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Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(A)

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Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool;
    how much more are deceitful statements[a] with a prince!

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:7 Lit. lips

Many curry favor with a ruler,(A)
    and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.(B)

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Many curry favor of an official;
    everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

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Saying 7

23 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
    note well what[a] is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to gluttony.
Do not crave his delicacies,(A)
    for that food is deceptive.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:1 Or who

Things to Avoid in Life

23 Whenever you sit down to dine with a ruler,
carefully think about what is before you.
Put a knife to your own throat,
    if you have a big appetite.[a]
Don’t crave his delicacies,
    because the meal is deceptive.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:2 Lit. a master of an appetite

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,(A)
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(B)

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15 Through patience a ruler may be persuaded;
    a gentle word[a] can break a bone.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:15 Lit. tongue

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

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When a land transgresses,
    it gains a succession of leaders,
but with an understanding and knowledgeable man,
    its stability endures.

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12 If a ruler(A) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(B)

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12 When a ruler is listening to lies,
    all of his officials tend to become wicked.

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26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,(A)
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.(B)

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26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,[a]
    but justice for a man comes from the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:26 Lit. face