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Both hands are upon evil, to do it well.
    The prince and the judge request the bribe,
the powerful asserts the craving of his very soul—
    they intertwine together.
The best among them is like a brier,
    the most upright among them a bramble;
the day of your watchmen,
    of your punishment, has come;
    now their confusion is at hand.
Do not trust in a companion,
    do not rely on a friend;
from her who lies in your embrace,
    guard the doors of your mouth.

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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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