²¹ Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king.
    Don’t associate with those who are rebellious.
²² Disaster comes suddenly from them.
    Who can know the ruin that both can bring?

⁴ Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a vessel will come out for the refiner.
⁵ Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
    or stand in the place of important people,
⁷     because it is better that he say to you,
    “Come up here,”
    than to be demoted before a ruler.

What your eyes see,

⁴ A king gives stability to the land by justice,
    but one who imposes heavy taxes tears it down.