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

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

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

¹² Wicked behavior 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 person appeases it.^(C)

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

⁷ Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.