16 A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life.(A)

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt[a]
will be a fugitive until death.(B)
Let no one help him.(C)

18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong[b]
will suddenly fall.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:17 Lit the blood of a person
  2. Proverbs 28:18 Lit who is twisted regarding two ways

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.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,(B)
    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall(C) into the pit.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:18 Syriac (see Septuagint); Hebrew into one