²⁸ In ^(A)a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
    but without people a prince is ruined.

⁷ Fine speech is not ^(A)becoming to a fool;
    still less is ^(B)false speech to a prince.

⁶ Many seek the favor of a generous man,^[a]
    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives ^(A)gifts.

² When a land transgresses, ^(A)it has many rulers,
    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
    its stability will long continue.

¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.