² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.^(A)

⁵ remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,^(A)
    and his throne will be established^(B) through righteousness.^(C)

⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;

¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,^(A)
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.^(B)

⁴ By justice a king gives a country stability,^(A)
    but those who are greedy for^[a] bribes tear it down.