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Wisdom for a King and His Subjects

Better a little with righteousness
    than a large income without justice.

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Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(A) with injustice.(B)

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10 The king’s lips speak for God,
so his mouth should not betray justice.

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10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth does not betray justice.(A)

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12 It is disgusting for kings to commit wickedness,
because a throne is established by righteousness.
13 Kings approve of righteous lips.
They love a person who speaks upright things.
14 The king’s anger is a messenger of death,
but a wise person can appease it.
15 There is life in the light from a king’s face,
and his favor is like a cloud that brings spring rain.

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12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.(A)

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.(B)

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(C)
    but the wise will appease it.(D)

15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;(E)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.(F)

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