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They know very well how to work together to do bad things.
Rulers demand gifts and judges ask for money.[a]
Powerful bad people always get what they want.
All these people work together to do what is bad.
The best of them are dangerous like wild plants with thorns.[b]
The most honest of them are worse than thorn bushes.
The bad time that your prophets told you about is coming.
Soon God will punish you,
and you will be confused.
Do not believe anyone, even somebody that you know well.
You cannot be sure that your friend will always be honest with you.
Be careful what you say to your wife.
Be careful even when you are hugging her.

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Footnotes

  1. 7:3 A judge is someone with authority to decide what is right or fair.
  2. 7:4 Micah says that the bad people are like plants with thorns. He means that they are always ready to cause trouble for other people.

Both hands are skilled in doing evil;(A)
    the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,(B)
    the powerful dictate what they desire—
    they all conspire together.
The best of them is like a brier,(C)
    the most upright worse than a thorn(D) hedge.
The day God visits you has come,
    the day your watchmen sound the alarm.
    Now is the time of your confusion.(E)
Do not trust a neighbor;
    put no confidence in a friend.(F)
Even with the woman who lies in your embrace
    guard the words of your lips.

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