2
When 1the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when 2the wicked rule, the people groan.
3
He who 3loves wisdom makes his father glad, but 4a companion of prostitutes 5squanders his wealth.
4
By justice a king 6builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5
7A man who flatters his neighbor spreads 8a net for his feet.
6
An evil man is 9ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man 10sings and rejoices.
7
A righteous man 11knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not 12understand such knowledge.
8
13Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is 14no quiet.
10
Bloodthirsty men 15hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.
11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12
If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.