² By the transgression of a land ^(A)many are its princes,
But ^(B)by a man who understands, who knows, so it endures.

¹² When the ^(A)righteous exult, there is great honor,
But ^(B)when the wicked rise, man has to be sought out.

¹⁵ Like a ^(A)roaring lion and a rushing bear
Is a ^(B)wicked ruler over a poor people.
¹⁶ A ^(C)leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions,
But he who hates greedy gain will prolong his days.
¹⁷ A man ^(D)oppressed with ^(E)the bloodguilt of life
Will flee until ^[a]death; let no one uphold him.

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

² When the ^(A)righteous ^[a]increase, the people are glad,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.

⁴ By justice the ^(A)king causes the land to stand,
But a man of bribes tears it down.

¹² If a ^(A)ruler pays attention to a lying word,
All his ministers become wicked.

¹⁴ If a ^(A)king judges the poor with truth,
His ^(B)throne will be established forever.

¹⁶ When the wicked ^[a]increase, transgression increases;
But the ^(A)righteous will see their fall.