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11 So because you have climbed to success on the backs of the poor[a]
    and your wealth comes from taxes you impose on their harvests,
You may well build mansions of expensively-cut stones,
    but you’ll never occupy them.
You may plant beautiful vineyards,
    but you’ll never enjoy their delicious wine.
12 For I know the depth of evil that you’ve done,
    and I see the gravity of your sins:
You persecute those who do the right thing, you take bribes,
    and you push the poor to one side in the courts at the city gates instead of helping them.
13 So the wise may decide to keep quiet just then,
    because truly, it is an evil time.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:11 Meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

11 You levy a straw tax on the poor(A)
    and impose a tax on their grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,(B)
    you will not live in them;(C)
though you have planted lush vineyards,
    you will not drink their wine.(D)
12 For I know how many are your offenses
    and how great your sins.(E)

There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes(F)
    and deprive the poor(G) of justice in the courts.(H)
13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet(I) in such times,
    for the times are evil.(J)

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