23  The wicked accepts ^qa bribe in secret¹

to ^rpervert the ways of justice.

16  A man’s ^qgift makes room for him

and brings him before the great.

6  Many seek the favor of a generous man,¹

and everyone is a friend to a man who gives ⁱgifts.

14  ^rA gift in secret averts anger,

and a concealed bribe,¹ strong wrath.

23  Your princes are rebels

and companions of thieves.

Everyone ^uloves a bribe

and runs after gifts.

^vThey do not bring justice to the fatherless,

and the widow’s cause does not come to them.

12  For I know how many are your transgressions

and how great are your sins—

you who afflict the righteous, who ^btake a bribe,

and ^cturn aside the needy ^xin the gate.