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Better is a little with righteousness
    than large income with injustice.

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A little gain[a] with righteousness is better
    than great income without justice.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:8 The Heb. lacks gain

10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.

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10 When a king is ready to speak officially,[a]
    what he says should not err with respect to justice.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:10 Lit. king speaks an oracle

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for the throne is established by righteousness.(A)
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
    and he loves those who speak what is right.(B)
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
    and whoever is wise will appease it.(C)
15 In the light of a king’s face there is life,
    and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.(D)

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12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for through righteousness the throne is established.
13 Kings take pleasure in righteous speech;
    they treasure a person who speaks what is upright.
14 The king’s wrath results in a death sentence,
    but whoever is wise will appease him.
15 When a king is pleased,[a] there is life,
    and his favor is like a cloud that brings spring rain.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:15 Lit. a king’s face lightens