4 The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his own feet.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. [Job 29:16; 31:13; Ps. 41:1.]
8 Scoffers set a city afire [inflaming the minds of the people], but wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek [to save] his life. [Gen. 4:5, 8; I John 3:12.]