² When a land transgresses,
    it gains a succession of leaders,
but with an understanding and knowledgeable man,
    its stability endures.

¹² When the righteous are victorious, there is great glory,
    but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

¹⁵ A roaring lion and a charging bear—
    that’s what a wicked tyrant is over poor people.
¹⁶ A Commander-in-Chief^[a] who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding,
    but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer.^[b]

¹⁷ A guilty man tormented by bloodshed
    will be a lifelong fugitive;
        let no one support him.

² As the righteous grow powerful,^[a] people rejoice;
    but when the wicked rule, people groan.

⁴ A king brings stability to a land through justice,
    but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

¹² When a ruler is listening to lies,
    all of his officials tend to become wicked.

¹⁴ When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.

¹⁶ As the wicked grow powerful,^[a] transgression increases,
    but the righteous will observe their downfall.

¹⁸ Without prophetic vision, people abandon restraint,
    but those who obey the Law are happy.