When a land transgresses, (A)it has many rulers,
    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
    its stability will long continue.

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When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

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12 When (A)the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
    but when (B)the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

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12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;(A)
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.(B)

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15 Like (A)a roaring lion or (B)a charging bear
    is (C)a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who (D)lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 If one is burdened with (E)the blood of another,
    he will be a fugitive until death;[a]
    let no one help him.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:17 Hebrew until the pit

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge(A) in the grave;
    let no one hold them back.

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28 When (A)the wicked rise, (B)people hide themselves,
    but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;(A)
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

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When (A)the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when (B)the wicked rule, the people groan.

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When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;(A)
    when the wicked rule,(B) the people groan.(C)

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By justice a king (A)builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts[a] tears it down.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who taxes heavily

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

12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.

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12 If a ruler(A) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(B)

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14 If a king (A)faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will (B)be established forever.

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14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(A)

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16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but (A)the righteous will look upon their downfall.

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16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.(A)

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18 Where (A)there is no prophetic vision the people (B)cast off restraint,[a]
    but blessed is he who (C)keeps the law.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:18 Or the people are discouraged

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.(A)

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