²⁷ Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house,
    but those who hate bribes will live.

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.

¹⁶ A gift opens the way
    for access to important people.

¹⁴ A secret gift calms anger,
    and a hidden bribe removes^[a] furious wrath.

²¹ Those who show favoritism aren’t good;
    people do wrong for a crust of bread.

⁴ A king gives stability to the land by justice,
    but one who imposes heavy taxes tears it down.