Proverbs 29:2–12

²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

³A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

⁴By justice a king brings stability to the land,

but a man who exacts tribute^a demolishes it.

⁵A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

⁶An evil man is caught by his own sin,

but a righteous one sings and rejoices.

⁷The righteous consider the cause of the poor,

but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.

⁸Mockers inflame a city,

but the wise turn away anger.

⁹If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.

¹⁰Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,

but the upright care for his life.^b

¹¹A fool vents all his anger,

but a wise man holds it back.

¹²If a ruler listens to lies,

all his officials will be wicked.