²⁸ A king is honored when he has many people to rule.
    But a prince is ruined if he has none.

⁷ Foolish people should not be proud.
    And rulers should not be liars!

⁶ Many people want to please a leader.
    And everyone is friends with those who give gifts.

23 If you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    notice the food that is in front of you.
² Control yourself
    if you have a big appetite.
³ Don’t be greedy for his fine foods.
    He might use that rich food to trick you.

¹⁵ With patience you can convince a ruler.
    And a gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.