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24 For the wise the road of life climbs up steep grades
    in order to avoid the slide down to the grave.
25 The Eternal splinters the house of the haughty,
    but He secures the property of widows.

It is ironic that we may have more to fear from the proud and powerful than from the poor and needy. Those who have want more, and so they take it. Oh, maybe they won’t pick your pocket or break into your home. Their ways are more subtle and more effective. As James, Jesus’ brother, wrote, “Isn’t it the rich who step on you while climbing the ladder of success? And isn’t it the rich who take advantage of you and drag you into court?” (James 2:6b). James isn’t describing all the rich, of course, but many have made their fortunes off the backs of others. God is the One who can protect the poor, the One who can reduce the grand houses of the haughty to splinters.

26 The thoughts of the wrongdoers repulse the Eternal,
    but kind words are pure pleasure for Him.

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