Concerning Rulers

(Prov 8:15–16; Wis 6:1–11)

17 A work is praised for the skill of the artisan;

so a people’s leader is proved wise by his words.

18 The loud of mouth are feared in their city,

and the one who is reckless in speech is hated.

10 A wise magistrate educates his people,

and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered.

2 As the people’s judge is, so are his officials;

as the ruler of the city is, so are all its inhabitants.

3 An undisciplined king ruins his people,

but a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers.

4 The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord,

and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time.

5 Human success is in the hand of the Lord,

and it is he who confers honor upon the lawgiver.a