²⁸ The glory of a king is a multitude of people;
    without people a prince is ruined.

⁷ Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a ruler.^[a]

⁶ Many seek the favor of the generous,
    and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.^(A)

¹⁵ With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue can break bones.^(A)

² When a land rebels
    it has many rulers;
but with an intelligent^[a] person, honesty endures.^(A)

¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.

²⁶ Many seek the favor of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.^(A)