This saying gives a concrete example of the results of good and wicked rulers mentioned in verse 2.

“By justice a king gives stability to the land”: “By justice” means by ruling justly or fairly or by being an honest ruler. “Gives stability” is literally “causes to stand” and refers to making “the land” or nation strong and prosperous.

“But one who exacts gifts ruins it”: “One who exacts gifts” is literally “man demanding contributions.” Elsewhere the word rendered “exacts gifts” always denotes a sacrificial offering. The sense of Revised Standard Version is “taking bribes,” and this may be correct here. Equally possible is the idea of “excessive taxation.” Good News Translation gives a general rendering, “only concerned with money.” Contemporary English Version is more concrete with “takes bribes.” “Ruins it” means “ruins or destroys the nation.”

A translation that brings out the element of contrast in this whole saying says “If the king is strong in doing what is right, the life of his country will be strong. But if he is strong only in getting money, the life of his country will become no good.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .