Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.(A)

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Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(A) with injustice.(B)

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10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;[a](A)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth does not betray justice.(A)

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12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,(A)
since a throne is established through righteousness.(B)

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it.(C)

15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

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12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.(A)

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.(B)

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(C)
    but the wise will appease it.(D)

15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;(E)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.(F)

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