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28 A large population is an honor for a king,
but without people a ruler is ruined.

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35 A king is delighted with a servant who acts wisely,
but he is furious with one who acts shamefully.

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10 When a divine revelation is on a king’s lips,
he cannot voice a wrong judgment.

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12 Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings
because a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings are happy with honest words,
and whoever speaks what is right is loved.
14 A king’s anger announces death,
but a wise man makes peace with him.
15 When the king is cheerful, there is life,
and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.

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The Consequences of Being a Fool

Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool.
How much less does lying fit a noble person!

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11 A rebel looks for nothing but evil.
Therefore, a cruel messenger will be sent ⌞to punish⌟ him.

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12 The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.

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The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion.
Whoever makes him angry forfeits his life.

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A king who sits on his throne to judge sifts out every evil with his eyes.

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26 A wise king scatters the wicked
and then runs them over.

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28 Mercy and truth protect a king,
and with mercy he maintains his throne.

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The Lord Controls Wise and Foolish People

21 The king’s heart is like streams of water.
Both are under the Lord’s control.
He turns them in any direction he chooses.

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11 Whoever loves a pure heart and whoever speaks graciously
has a king as his friend.

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23 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
pay close attention to what is in front of you,
and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.
Do not crave his delicacies,
because this is food that deceives you.

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21 Fear the Lord, my son.
Fear the king as well.
Do not associate with those who always insist upon change,
22 because disaster will come to them suddenly.
Who knows what misery both may bring?

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Advice for Kings

It is the glory of God to hide things
but the glory of kings to investigate them.
⌞Like⌟ the high heavens and the deep earth,
so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
Take the impurities out of silver,
and a vessel is ready for the silversmith to mold.
Take a wicked person away from the presence of a king,
and justice will make his throne secure.

Do not brag about yourself in front of a king
or stand in the spot that belongs to notable people,
because it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put down in front of a prince
whom your eyes have seen.

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15 With patience you can persuade a ruler,
and a soft tongue can break bones.

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When a country is in revolt, it has many rulers,
but only with a person who has understanding and knowledge
will it last a long time.
A poor person who oppresses poorer people
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

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15 ⌞Like⌟ a roaring lion and a charging bear,
⌞so⌟ a wicked ruler is a threat to poor people.
16 A leader without understanding taxes ⌞his people⌟ heavily,
but those who hate unjust gain will live longer.

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By means of justice, a king builds up a country,
but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down.

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12 If a ruler pays attention to lies,
all his servants become wicked.

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14 When a king judges the poor with honesty,
his throne will always be secure.

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26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but justice for humanity comes from the Lord.

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