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When the just flourish, the people rejoice;
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.[a](A)
Whoever loves wisdom gives joy to his father,
    but whoever consorts with harlots squanders his wealth.
By justice a king builds up the land;
    but one who raises taxes tears it down.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 29:2 Popular response to a just or unjust ruler is expressed in sound—shouts of joy or groans of anguish. “Rejoice” can mean to express one’s joy, i.e., joyous shouts.
  2. 29:4 In Hebrew as in English high and low are metaphors for prosperity and depression. A king who is just “causes the land to stand up,” i.e., to be prosperous, and one who makes taxes high brings a country low.