2  When a land transgresses, ^eit has many rulers,

but with a man of understanding and knowledge,

its stability will long continue.

12  When ^vthe righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when ^wthe wicked rise, people hide themselves.

15  Like ^ba roaring lion or ^ca charging bear

is ^da wicked ruler over a poor people.

16  A ruler who ^elacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17  If one is burdened with ^fthe blood of another,

he will be a fugitive until death;¹

let no one help him.

28  When ^xthe wicked rise, ^ypeople hide themselves,

but when they perish, the righteous increase.

2  When ^cthe righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when ^dthe wicked rule, the people groan.

4  By justice a king ^hbuilds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts¹ tears it down.

12  If a ruler listens to falsehood,

all his officials will be wicked.

14  If a king ^tfaithfully judges the poor,

his throne will ^ube established forever.

16  When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but ^xthe righteous will look upon their downfall.

18  Where ^zthere is no prophetic vision the people ^acast off restraint,¹

but blessed is he who ^bkeeps the law.