4A just king gives stability to his nation,

but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5To flatter friends

is to lay a trap for their feet.

6Evil people are trapped by sin,

but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

7The godly care about the rights of the poor;

the wicked don’t care at all.

8Mockers can get a whole town agitated,

but the wise will calm anger.

9If a wise person takes a fool to court,

there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,

but the upright seek to help them.*

11Fools vent their anger,

but the wise quietly hold it back.