² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;^(A)
    when the wicked rule,^(B) the people groan.^(C)

³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,^(D)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.^(E)

⁴ By justice a king gives a country stability,^(F)
    but those who are greedy for^[a] bribes tear it down.

⁵ Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.^(G)

⁶ Evildoers are snared by their own sin,^(H)
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor,^(I)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

⁸ Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.^(J)

⁹ If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.^(K)

¹¹ Fools give full vent to their rage,^(L)
    but the wise bring calm in the end.^(M)

¹² If a ruler^(N) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.^(O)

¹³ The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.^(P)

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.^(Q)

¹⁵ A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.^(R)

¹⁶ When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.^(S)

¹⁷ Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.^(T)

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.^(U)