16 A country is in for troublewhen its ruler is childish,and its leadersfeast all day long.
17 But a nation will prosperwhen its ruler is mature,and its leadersdon't feast too much.
18 Some people are too lazyto fix a leaky roof—then the house falls in.
19 Eating and drinkingmake you feel happy,and bribes can buyeverything you need.
20 Don't even thinkabout cursing the king;don't curse the rich,not even in secret.A little bird might hearand tell everything.