²⁸ In the multitude of people is the king’s honour:
    but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

⁷ Excellent speech becometh not a fool:
    much less do lying lips a prince.

⁶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince:
    and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

23 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,
consider diligently what is before thee:
² and put a knife to thy throat,
if thou be a man given to appetite.
³ Be not desirous of his dainties:
for they are deceitful meat.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded,
and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

² For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof:
but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

¹² If a ruler hearken to lies,
all his servants are wicked.

²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favour;
but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.