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By the rebellion of a land, her rulers increase,
    but by a person of intelligence who knows justice, it will last.

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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 the righteous triumphs, great is the glory,
    but with the rising of the wicked, a person will be hidden.

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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 roaring lion and a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is[a] a cruel oppressor,
    but those who hate unjust gain will have long[b] days.
17 A person who is burdened with the blood of another,[c]
    until death he will flee;
    do not take hold of him.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:16 Hebrew “and”
  2. Proverbs 28:16 Or “prolong”
  3. Proverbs 28:17 Literally “life”

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 With the rising of the wicked, humankind will be hidden,
    and with their perishing, the righteous will multiply.

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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 the righteous are numerous, the people will rejoice,
    but when the wicked are ruling, people will 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 gives stability to a land,
    but a man of bribes will ruin it.

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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 A ruler listening to a word of falsehood,
    all his officials are wicked.

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

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14 A king who judges with truthfulness to the poor,
    his throne will 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 With the increase of the wicked, transgression will increase,
    but the righteous will look on his 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 When there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint,
    but as for he who guards instruction, happiness is his.

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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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