¹⁵ By me kings reign
    and rulers^(A) issue decrees that are just;
¹⁶ by me princes govern,^(B)
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.^[a]

¹⁹ Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
    whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

²⁰ One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
    one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

²¹ To have a fool for a child brings grief;
    there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.^(A)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed^(B) spirit dries up the bones.^(C)

²³ The wicked accept bribes^(D) in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.^(E)

²⁴ A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes^(F) wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the mother who bore him.^(G)

²⁶ If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,^(H)
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

²⁵ Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
    rebuke the discerning,^(A) and they will gain knowledge.^(B)

²⁶ Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother^(C)
    is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

²⁷ Stop listening to instruction, my son,^(D)
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

²⁸ A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.^(E)

²⁹ Penalties are prepared for mockers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.^(F)

⁷ The righteous lead blameless lives;^(A)
    blessed are their children after them.^(B)

⁸ When a king sits on his throne to judge,^(C)
    he winnows out all evil with his eyes.^(D)

⁹ Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;^(E)
    I am clean and without sin”?^(F)

¹⁰ Differing weights and differing measures—
    the Lord detests them both.^(G)

¹¹ Even small children are known by their actions,
    so is their conduct really pure^(H) and upright?