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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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A bribe is like a lucky charm;
    whoever gives one will prosper!

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

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23 The wicked take secret bribes
    to pervert the course of justice.

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

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21 An inheritance obtained too early in life
    is not a blessing in the end.

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

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The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.

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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

Wealth created by a lying tongue
    is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]

The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.

The guilty walk a crooked path;
    the innocent travel a straight road.

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Footnotes

  1. 21:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads mist for those who seek death.

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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22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
23 For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

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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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More Sayings of the Wise

23 Here are some further sayings of the wise:

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
    rich blessings will be showered on them.

26 An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.

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

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A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

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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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Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich.

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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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Income from charging high interest rates
    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

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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

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

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