²⁸ A growing population is a king’s glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.

³⁵ A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.

¹⁰ God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.

¹² It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.^[a]

¹³ The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair.

¹⁴ The anger of the king is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

¹⁵ Many favors are showered on those who please the king.

⁷ Truth from a rebel or lies from a king are both unexpected.

¹¹ The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished.^[a]

¹² The king’s anger is as dangerous as a lion’s. But his approval is as refreshing as the dew on grass.

² The king’s fury is like that of a roaring lion; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

⁸ A king sitting as judge weighs all the evidence carefully, distinguishing the true from false.

²⁶ A wise king stamps out crime by severe punishment.