2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives a country stability,

but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4 By justice a king builds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.

But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation,

but one who demands bribes destroys it.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;

But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,

But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

4 The king establishes the land by justice,

But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

2 When good people do well, everyone is happy,

but when evil people rule, everyone groans.

3 Those who love wisdom make their parents happy,

but friends of prostitutes waste their money.

4 If a king is fair, he makes his country strong,

but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down.

2 When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice;

But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father;

But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.

4 The king by justice establisheth the land;

But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.

2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots destroyeth his substance.

4 A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.

2 When righteous people increase, the people ⸤of God⸥ rejoice, 

but when a wicked person rules, everybody groans. 

3 A person who loves wisdom makes his father happy, 

but one who pays prostitutes wastes his wealth. 

4 By means of justice, a king builds up a country, 

but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down. 

2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.

4 By justice a king brings stability to a land,

but a man who demands “contributions”

demolishes it.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad,

but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one’s substance.

4 By justice a king gives stability to the land,

but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

2 When the righteous are numerous, the people will rejoice,

but when the wicked are ruling, people will groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom will make his parents glad,

but the friend of prostitutes will squander his wealth.

4 By justice a king gives stability to a land,

but a man of bribes will ruin it.

2 When those who do right grow stronger, the people are glad.

But when those who do wrong become rulers, the people groan.

3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad.

But a man who spends time with prostitutes wastes his father’s wealth.

4 By doing what is fair, a king makes a country secure.

But the one who wants to be paid off tears it down.