The imagery is visceral and deliberate. A lion and a bear are apex predators — powerful, frightening, and deadly. A wicked ruler over the poor is exactly like this: dangerous, destructive, and a source of terror rather than safety. God does not soften this description. Leadership without righteousness is predatory.
Memory phrase: Wicked rulers hurt the poor.
Talk about it: How should a good ruler treat poor people? How does a wicked ruler treat them?
Prayer: God, protect the poor from cruel and wicked rulers.