² For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;
But by ^[a]men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
But when the wicked rise, men ^[a]hide themselves.

¹⁵ As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,
So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
^16 [a]The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;
But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
¹⁷ A man that is laden with the blood of any person
Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

²⁸ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.

² When the righteous ^[a]are increased, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.

⁴ The king by justice establisheth the land;
But ^[a]he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

¹² If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood,
All his servants are wicked.

¹⁴ The king that faithfully judgeth the poor,
His throne shall be established for ever.

¹⁶ When the wicked ^[a]are increased, transgression increaseth;
But the righteous shall look upon their fall.

¹⁸ Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;
But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.