2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4By justice a king brings stability to the land,
but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
5A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil man is caught by his own sin,
but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7The righteous consider the cause of the poor,
but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8Mockers inflame a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9If a wise man goes to court with a fool,
there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
10Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,
but the upright care for his life.
11A fool vents all his anger,
but a wise man holds it back.
12If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials will be wicked.
— Proverbs 29:2-12

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Illustration of Proverbs 29:11

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Illustration of Proverbs 29:7 NCV

Illustration of Proverbs 29:7 NCV -- Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned.