17 bBy the cunning-handedb ca shapely work is devisedc,

dEven sod one who ruleth over his people (must be) ewise in discernmente.

18 A man (full) of tongue is dangerous fin the cityf,

gAnd he that is ∙hasty in speechg is detested.

10 1 h iA wise governori jinstructethj his people;

And the rule of one that is discerning kis well-orderedk.

2 As is the governor lof a peoplel, so are his officers;

And as is the head of a city, msom are its inhabitants.

3 nA reckless kingn ruineth ohis peopleo,

But a city becometh populous through pthe prudence of its princesp.

4 qThe rule over the world is in the hands of God,

And at the right time He setteth over it rone that is worthyr.

5 qIn the hand of God is rrthe rule of every manrr,

And He investeth sthe commanders with his dignity.

(h) 10:6–18. Pride in rulers ruins whole nations

(= 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 1 distichs).