⁷ Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

¹² If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

⁷ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
    is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

¹⁰ The king speaks with divine wisdom;
    he must never judge unfairly.

¹¹ The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;
    he sets the standards for fairness.

¹² A king detests wrongdoing,
    for his rule is built on justice.

¹³ The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

¹⁹ Truthful words stand the test of time,
    but lies are soon exposed.

³ I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.
⁴ I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.
⁵ I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

¹⁶ But God says to the wicked:
“Why bother reciting my decrees
    and pretending to obey my covenant?
¹⁷ For you refuse my discipline
    and treat my words like trash.

¹² Truly, God will not do wrong.
    The Almighty will not twist justice.

³ The God of Israel spoke.
    The Rock of Israel said to me:
‘The one who rules righteously,
    who rules in the fear of God,