18. God is the one who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ He says to leaders, ‘You are evil!’
19. He does not respect leaders more than other people. And he does not respect the rich more than the poor. God made everyone.
20. Any of us can die suddenly, in the middle of the night. Anyone can get sick and pass away. Even powerful people die for no reason we can see.
21. “God watches what people do. He sees every step they take.
22. There is no place dark enough for evil people to hide from God.
23. God does not need to set a time for people to come before him and be judged.
24. He does not have to ask questions when people do wrong, even if they are powerful leaders. He simply destroys them and chooses others to take their place.
25. When he learns what people have done, he defeats them, and overnight they are gone.
26. He will punish them for the evil they have done, and he will do it where everyone can see.
27. He will do this because they rebelled against him and ignored what he wanted.
28. They hurt the poor and made them cry to God for help. And he hears their cry!
29. But if God decides not to help them, no one can judge him guilty. If he hides himself, no one can find him. He is the ruler over every person and nation.
30. He keeps the wicked from ruling so that they will not bring harm to the people.
31. “A person should say to God, ‘I am guilty; I will not sin anymore.
32. Show me the sins I am not able to see. If I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’