¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

²⁸ When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;^(A)
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;^(A)
    when the wicked rule,^(B) the people groan.^(C)

¹² If a ruler^(A) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.^(B)

²⁶ A wise king winnows out the wicked;
    he drives the threshing wheel over them.^(A)

¹² Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.^(A)