6
Listen then, kings, and understand; 1
rulers of remotest lands, take warning;
hear this, you who have thousands under your rule, 2
who boast of your hordes of subjects.
For power is a gift to you from the Lord, 3
sovereignty is from the Most High;
he himself will prove your acts and scrutinise your intentions.
If, as administrators of his kingdom, you have not governed justly 4
nor observed the law,
nor behaved as God would have you behave,
he will fall on you swiftly and terribly. 5
Ruthless judgement is reserved for the high and mighty;
the lowly will be compassionately pardoned, 6
the mighty will be mightily punished.
For the Lord of All does not cower before a personage, 7
he does not stand in awe of greatness,
since he himself has made small and great
and provides for all alike;
but strict scrutiny awaits those in power. 8
Yes, despots, my words are for you, 9
that you may learn what wisdom is and not transgress;
for they who observe holy things holily will be adjudged holy, 10
and, accepting instruction from them, will find their defence in them.
Look forward, therefore, to my words; 11
yearn for them, and they will instruct you.