28 A large population is a king’s splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.

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35 A king favors a wise servant,(A)
but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.

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10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;[a](A)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king

12 Wicked behavior[a] is detestable to kings,(A)
since a throne is established through righteousness.(B)

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise man appeases it.(C)

15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:12 Either the king’s or someone else’s behavior

Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

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11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
a cruel messenger[a](A) will be sent against him.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:11 Or a merciless angel

12 A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion,(A)
but his favor is like dew on the grass.(B)

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A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
anyone who provokes him endangers himself.(A)

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A king sitting on a throne to judge
sifts out all evil with his eyes.(A)

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26 A wise king separates out the wicked(A)
and drives the threshing wheel(B) over them.

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28 Loyalty and faithfulness deliver a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.

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21 A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever He chooses.(A)

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11 The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.(A)

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23 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
consider carefully what[a] is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
if you have a big[b] appetite;
don’t desire his choice food,(A)
for that food is deceptive.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:1 Or who
  2. Proverbs 23:2 Lit you are the master of an

21 My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king,(A)
and don’t associate with rebels,[a]
22 for destruction from them will come suddenly;
who knows what distress these two can bring?

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:21 Or those given to change

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter(A)
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
As the heaven is high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.

Remove impurities from silver,(B)
and a vessel will be produced[a] for a silversmith.(C)
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,(D)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.(E)

Don’t brag about yourself before the king,
and don’t stand in the place of the great;
for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here!”
than to demote you in plain view of a noble.[b](F)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 Lit will come out; Ex 32:24
  2. Proverbs 25:7 Lit you before a noble whom your eyes see

15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(A)

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When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,(A)
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

A destitute leader[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 LXX reads A wicked man

15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people(A)
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.(B)

16 A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life.(C)

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By justice a king brings stability to a land,(A)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.

12 If a ruler listens to lies,(A)
all his officials will be wicked.

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14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(A)

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26 Many seek a ruler’s favor,(A)
but a man receives justice from the Lord.(B)

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