Add parallel Print Page Options

17 Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!(A)

18 Through indolence the rafters [of state affairs] decay and the roof sinks in, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

19 [Instead of repairing the breaches, the officials] make a feast for laughter, serve wine to cheer life, and [depend on tax] money to answer for all of it.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

Amplified Holy Bible, softcover
Amplified Holy Bible, softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $12.49
Save: $12.50 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback
Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.29
Save: $2.70 (27%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
Amplified Study Bible--soft leather-look, purple
Amplified Study Bible--soft leather-look, purple
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $46.49
Save: $23.50 (34%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars