4. By justice a king builds up the land,but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5. A man who flatters his neighborspreads a net for his feet.
6. An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8. Scoffers set a city aflame,but the wise turn away wrath.
9. If a wise man has an argument with a fool,the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10. Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blamelessand seek the life of the upright.
11. A fool gives full vent to his spirit,but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12. If a ruler listens to falsehood,all his officials will be wicked.
13. The poor man and the oppressor meet together;the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14. If a king faithfully judges the poor,his throne will be established forever.
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom,but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16. When the wicked increase, transgression increases,but the righteous will look upon their downfall.