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

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27 Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes,
    but the person who hates bribes will live.

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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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A bribe works wonders[a] in the eyes of its giver;
    wherever he turns he prospers.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:8 Lit. A gift is a stone of favor

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

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23 The wicked man takes a bribe in secret
    in order to pervert the course of justice.

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

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16 A person’s gift opens doors for him,
    bringing him access to important people.

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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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14 Privately given gifts pacify wrath,
    and payments made secretly[a] appease[b] great anger.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:14 Lit. made under the cloak
  2. Proverbs 21:14 The Heb. lacks appease

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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21 To show partiality isn’t good,
    yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress.

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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

A king brings stability to a land through justice,
    but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

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