² When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,^(A)
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

¹² When the righteous triumph,
there is great rejoicing,^[a]
but when the wicked come to power,
people hide.^(A)

¹⁵ A wicked ruler over a helpless people^(A)
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.^(B)

¹⁶ A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life.^(C)

¹⁷ Someone burdened by bloodguilt^[a]
will be a fugitive until death.^(D)
Let no one help him.^(E)

²⁸ When the wicked come to power,
people hide,
but when they are destroyed,
the righteous flourish.^(A)

² When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, people groan.^(A)

⁴ By justice a king brings stability to a land,^(A)
but a person who demands “contributions”^[a]
demolishes it.^(B)

¹² If a ruler listens to lies,^(A)
all his officials will be wicked.

¹⁴ A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.^(A)

¹⁶ When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,
but the righteous will see their downfall.^(A)