Section 5:8-6:12

People should not try to become rich

5:8a If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province,

You (sing.) may see a place where poor people are suffering. Officials may be hurting them and judges may not be doing what is right and fair.
-or-
You may see poor people somewhere and ⌊officials in power who⌋ treat them cruelly. Those officials may not give the poor what they deserve.

5:8b do not be astonished at the matter;

But don’t be surprised! (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
Do not be amazed about that.

5:8a-b (combined)

Do not be surprised when you see ⌊local officials⌋ oppressing poor people throughout the country. They don’t use their power to do justice. Instead they take away people’s rights.
-or-
If you see officials in the provinces doing wrong to poor people, and not behaving in a just or right manner with them, do not be surprised at this.

5:8c for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.

Those officials are protected by their leaders, who are also protected by their leaders.
-or-
Those officials are obeying their leaders, who are also obeying their leaders.
-or-
The ruler who forces them to work has another ruler who forces him. And there is still another ruler who forces both of these rulers. (English Easy-to-Read Version)

5:8a-c (combined)

Don’t be surprised if you see poor people being oppressed, denied justice, or denied their rights in any district. One authority is watching over another, and they both have authorities watching over them. (God’s Word)

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