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A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it;
    wherever they turn they prosper.(A)

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23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe
    to pervert the ways of justice.(A)

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21 An estate quickly acquired in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.(A)

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To do righteousness and justice
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(A)

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The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a snare[a] of death.(A)
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away
    because they refuse to do what is just.(B)
The way of the guilty is crooked,
    but the conduct of the pure is right.

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Footnotes

  1. 21.6 Gk: Heb seekers

22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor
    or crush the afflicted at the gate,(A)
23 for the Lord pleads their cause
    and despoils of life those who despoil them.(B)

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Further Sayings of the Wise

23     These also are sayings of the wise:

Partiality in judging is not good.(A)
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,(B)
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.(C)
26 One who gives an honest answer
    gives a kiss on the lips.

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A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is a beating rain that leaves no food.(A)

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Better to be poor and walk in integrity
    than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.(A)

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One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest
    gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.(A)

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Speak out for those who cannot speak,
    for the rights of all the destitute.[a](A)
Speak out; judge righteously;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 31.8 Heb all children of passing away