4. A just king gives stability to his nation,but one who demands bribes destroys it.
5. To flatter friendsis to lay a trap for their feet.
6. Evil people are trapped by sin,but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.
7. The godly care about the rights of the poor;the wicked don’t care at all.
8. Mockers can get a whole town agitated,but the wise will calm anger.
9. If a wise person takes a fool to court,there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.
10. The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,but the upright seek to help them.
11. Fools vent their anger,but the wise quietly hold it back.
12. If a ruler pays attention to liars,all his advisers will be wicked.
13. The poor and the oppressor have this in common—the lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
14. If a king judges the poor fairly,his throne will last forever.
15. To discipline a child produces wisdom,but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
16. When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,but the godly will live to see their downfall.