2. When the tzaddikim are increased, the people rejoice, but when the rasha beareth rule, the people groan.
3. He who loveth chochmah rejoiceth aviv, but he that keepeth company with zonot squanders his hon (substance, wealth).
4. Melech by mishpat establisheth eretz, but an ish terumot (a man of bribes) bringeth it down.
5. A gever that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a reshet (net) for his feet.
6. By peysha (transgression) an ish rah is snared, but the tzaddik doth sing and have simchah.
7. The tzaddik considereth the cause of the dalim, but the rasha (wicked) doeth not understand such da'as (knowledge).
8. Scornful men enflame a city, but chachamim turn away af (wrath).
9. If an ish chacham has to contend with a fool, he [the fool] rageth or laugheth, and hath no rest.
10. The anshei damim hate integrity, but the yesharim seek his nefesh (soul, i.e., his soul's well-being).
11. A kesil (fool) uttereth all his wrath, but a chacham keepeth it back quietly.
12. If a moshel pays heed to davar sheker, all his mesharetim (officials, ministers) are resha'im.
13. The rahsh (pauper) and the oppressor have this in common: Hashem enlighteneth both their eynayim.
14. If Melech shofet be'emes (judges in truth) the dalim, his kisse shall be established forever.