dn26:10.0 4. On the Period of Decline
dn26:10.1 So the anointed king asked the assembled ministers and councillors, treasurers and chief ministers, military officers, guardsmen, and professional advisers about the noble duty of a wheel-turning monarch.
dn26:10.2 And they answered him.
dn26:10.3 After listening to them, he provided just protection and security. But he did not provide money to the penniless in the realm.
dn26:10.4 And so poverty grew widespread.
dn26:10.5 When poverty was widespread, a certain person stole from others, with the intention to commit theft.
dn26:10.6 They arrested him
dn26:10.7 and presented him to the king, saying,
dn26:10.8 ‘Your Majesty, this person stole from others with the intention to commit theft.’
dn26:10.9 The king said to that person,
dn26:10.10 ‘Is it really true, my man, that you stole from others with the intention to commit theft?’
dn26:10.11 ‘It’s true, Your Majesty.’
dn26:10.12 ‘What was the reason?’
dn26:10.13 ‘Your Majesty, I can’t survive.’
dn26:10.14 So the king provided some money to that person, saying,
dn26:10.15 ‘With this money, my man, keep yourself alive, and provide for your mother and father, partners and children. Work for a living, and establish an uplifting religious donation for ascetics and brahmins that’s conducive to heaven, ripens in happiness, and leads to heaven.’
dn26:10.16 ‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ replied that man.

