11 Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.(A)
12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,”
won’t he who weighs hearts(B) consider it?
Won’t he who protects your life(C) know?
Won’t he repay a person according to his work?(D)

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11 Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.(A)
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs(B) the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay(C) everyone according to what they have done?(D)

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A destitute leader[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 28:3 LXX reads A wicked man

A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor person

27 The one who gives to the poor
will not be in need,
but one who turns his eyes away[a]
will receive many curses.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 28:27 Lit who shuts his eyes

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,(A)
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.(B)

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Speak up[a] for those who have no voice,[b](A)
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.[c]
Speak up, judge righteously,(B)
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 31:8 Lit Open your mouth, also in v. 9
  2. 31:8 Lit who are mute
  3. 31:8 Lit all the sons of passing away

Speak(A) up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.(B)

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