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When 1the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when 2the wicked rule, the people groan.
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He who 3loves wisdom makes his father glad, but 4a companion of prostitutes 5squanders his wealth.
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By justice a king 6builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
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7A man who flatters his neighbor spreads 8a net for his feet.
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An evil man is 9ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man 10sings and rejoices.
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A righteous man 11knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not 12understand such knowledge.
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13Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
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If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is 14no quiet.
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Bloodthirsty men 15hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
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A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
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If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
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The poor man and the oppressor 16meet together; the LORD 17 gives light to the eyes of both.
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If a king 18faithfully judges the poor, his throne will 19be established forever.
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20The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself 21brings shame to his mother.
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When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but 22the righteous will look upon their downfall.
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23Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
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Where 24there is no prophetic vision the people 25cast off restraint, but blessed is he who 26keeps the law.
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By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.
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Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? 27There is more hope for a fool than for him.
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Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir.
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28A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.