2
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7
A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8
Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10
Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11
The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12
When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.