4
By justice a king 1builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5
2A man who flatters his neighbor spreads 3a net for his feet.
6
An evil man is 4ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man 5sings and rejoices.
7
A righteous man 6knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not 7understand such knowledge.
8
8Scoffers 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 9no quiet.
10
Bloodthirsty men 10hate 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.
13
The poor man and the oppressor 11meet together; the LORD 12 gives light to the eyes of both.
14
If a king 13faithfully judges the poor, his throne will 14be established forever.