²⁸ A large population is a king’s splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.

⁷ Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

⁶ Many seek a ruler’s favor,^(A)
and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.^(B)

23 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
consider carefully what^[a] is before you,
² and put a knife to your throat
if you have a big^[b] appetite;
³ don’t desire his choice food,^(A)
for that food is deceptive.

² When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,^(A)
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

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

²⁶ Many seek a ruler’s favor,^(A)
but a man receives justice from the Lord.^(B)