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

³⁵ A king favors a wise 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)

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.^(A)

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

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