¹¹ Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
    will have the king as a friend.

23 While dining with a ruler,
    pay attention to what is put before you.
² If you are a big eater,
    put a knife to your throat;
³ don’t desire all the delicacies,
    for he might be trying to trick you.

²¹ My child, fear the Lord and the king.
Don’t associate with rebels,
²²     for disaster will hit them suddenly.
Who knows what punishment will come
    from the Lord and the king?

² It is God’s privilege to conceal things
    and the king’s privilege to discover them.

³ No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
    or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

⁴ Remove the impurities from silver,
    and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
⁵ Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
    and his reign will be made secure by justice.

⁶ Don’t demand an audience with the king
    or push for a place among the great.
⁷ It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
    than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,

¹⁵ Patience can persuade a prince,
    and soft speech can break bones.

² When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

³ A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

¹⁵ A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
    as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

¹⁶ A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
    but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

⁴ A just king gives stability to his nation,
    but one who demands bribes destroys it.

¹² If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor fairly,
    his throne will last forever.