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28 A growing population is a king’s glory;
    a prince without subjects has nothing.

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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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Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

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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

Many seek favors from a ruler;
    everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

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(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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23 While dining with a ruler,
    pay attention to what is put before you.
If you are a big eater,
    put a knife to your throat;
don’t desire all the delicacies,
    for he might be trying to trick you.

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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

15 Patience can persuade a prince,
    and soft speech can break bones.

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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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When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

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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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12 If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

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

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26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
    but justice comes from the Lord.

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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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