² A rebellious land has many rulers,
but one man with understanding and knowledge provides stability.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is much celebration,^[a]
but when the wicked rise to power, people hide.

¹⁵ A wicked ruler over a poor people
    is a growling lion or a charging bear.
¹⁶ When a ruler lacks understanding, there will be much oppression,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain prolongs his days.

²⁸ When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding,
but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase.