27 The one who profits dishonestly(A) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.(B)

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27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.(A)

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A bribe(A) seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.(B)

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A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
    they think success will come at every turn.(A)

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23 A wicked person secretly takes a bribe(A)
to subvert the course of justice.(B)

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23 The wicked accept bribes(A) in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.(B)

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16 A person’s gift opens doors[a] for him
and brings him before the great.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 18:16 Lit gift makes room

16 A gift(A) opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

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14 A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe, fierce rage.(A)

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14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.(A)

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21 It is not good to show partiality(A)
yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread.(B)

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21 To show partiality(A) is not good(B)
    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.(C)

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By justice a king brings stability to a land,(A)
but a person who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 29:4 The Hb word for contributions usually refers to offerings in worship.

By justice a king gives a country stability,(A)
    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give