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Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the [a]angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands? For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God. If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in [b]a province, marvel not at the matter: for one higher than the high regardeth; and there are higher than they.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Or, messenger of God. See Mal. 2:7.
  2. Ecclesiastes 5:8 Or, the state

Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.(A)

Riches Are Meaningless

If you see the poor oppressed(B) in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.

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