⁵ That the ^(A)triumphing of the wicked is short,
And ^(B)the joy of the godless momentary?

² When the ^(A)righteous ^[a]increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
³ A man who ^(B)loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who ^(C)keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.
⁴ The ^(D)king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
⁵ A man who ^(E)flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
⁶ By transgression an evil man is ^(F)ensnared,
But the righteous ^(G)sings and rejoices.
⁷ The ^(H)righteous ^[b]is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such ^[c]concern.
⁸ Scorners ^(I)set a city aflame,
But ^(J)wise men turn away anger.
⁹ When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
^[d]The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
¹⁰ Men of ^(K)bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright ^[e]are concerned for his life.
¹¹ A ^(L)fool ^[f]always loses his temper,
But a ^(M)wise man holds it back.
¹² If a ^(N)ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.