XXIX
Abstaining from Fraud
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Whoso wanteth not to be held in contempt, let him guard himself against every thought of fraud.
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It is a sin even to say in one’s heart, I shall cheat my neighbour of his substance.
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The fortune that is built up by fraud may appear to thrive; but it is doomed forever.
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The thirst for plunder leadeth in its season to endless grief.
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Behold the man that coveteth other men’s substance and lieth in wait to catch them napping: he thinketh not of grace and love is far from his heart.
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The man who thirsteth after plunder cannot weigh things aright: nor can he walk in the way of righteousness.
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Behold the man that hath weighed the things of this world and made his heart firm: he committeth not the folly of cheating his neighbour.
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As Righteousness resideth in the heart of him who valueth things aright, even so Deceit hath its seat in the heart of the thief.
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Behold the man who meditateth on nothing but theft and plunder: he will leave the right path and perish.
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He that deceiveth others is not master even of his own body: but the world of the Gods itself is a never-failing inheritance unto the men that are righteous.