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The word of the Lord came to me again, saying,
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"What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge'?
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"As I live," says the Lord God, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
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"Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.
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But if a man is just And does what is lawful and right;
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If he has not eaten on the mountains, Nor lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, Nor defiled his neighbor's wife, Nor approached a woman during her impurity;
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If he has not oppressed anyone, But has restored to the debtor his pledge; Has robbed no one by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;
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If he has not exacted usury Nor taken any increase, But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity And executed true judgment between man and man;
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If he has walked in My statutes And kept My judgments faithfully-- He is just; He shall surely live!" Says the Lord God.
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"If he begets a son who is a robber Or a shedder of blood, Who does any of these things
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And does none of those duties, But has eaten on the mountains Or defiled his neighbor's wife;
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If he has oppressed the poor and needy, Robbed by violence, Not restored the pledge, Lifted his eyes to the idols, Or committed abomination;
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If he has exacted usury Or taken increase-- Shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, He shall surely die; His blood shall be upon him.
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"If, however, he begets a son Who sees all the sins which his father has done, And considers but does not do likewise;