²⁹ Do you see any truly competent workers?
    They will serve kings
    rather than working for ordinary people.

⁵ The wise are mightier than the strong,^[a]
    and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
⁶ So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
    victory depends on having many advisers.

²⁷ Do your planning and prepare your fields
    before building your house.

⁴ Remove the impurities from silver,
    and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
⁵ Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
    and his reign will be made secure by justice.

¹⁵ Patience can persuade a prince,
    and soft speech can break bones.

⁴ A just king gives stability to his nation,
    but one who demands bribes destroys it.

¹⁴ If a king judges the poor fairly,
    his throne will last forever.