¹⁵ He saves the needy^(A) from the sword in their mouth;
    he saves them from the clutches of the powerful.^(B)

⁵ that the mirth of the wicked^(A) is brief,
    the joy of the godless^(B) lasts but a moment.^(C)

¹⁷ Can someone who hates justice govern?^(A)
    Will you condemn the just and mighty One?^(B)

² When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;^(A)
    when the wicked rule,^(B) the people groan.^(C)

³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,^(D)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.^(E)

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

⁵ Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.^(G)

⁶ Evildoers are snared by their own sin,^(H)
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

⁷ The righteous care about justice for the poor,^(I)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

⁸ Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.^(J)

⁹ If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.^(K)

¹¹ Fools give full vent to their rage,^(L)
    but the wise bring calm in the end.^(M)

¹² If a ruler^(N) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.^(O)