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

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

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

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

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

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.^(F)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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