Proverbs

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