1. Hear therefore, you⌃ kings, and understand; Learn, you⌃ judges of the ends of the earth:
2. Give ear, you⌃ that have dominion over much people, And make your boast in multitudes of nations.
3. Because your dominion was given you from the Lord, And your sovereignty from the Most High; Who shall search out your works, And shall make inquisition of your counsels:
4. Because being officers of his kingdom you⌃ did not judge aright, Neither kept you⌃ law, nor walked after the counsel of God.
5. Awfully and swiftly shall he come upon you; Because a stern judgement befalleth them that be in high place:
6. For the man of low estate may be pardoned in mercy, But mighty men shall be searched out mightily.
7. For the Sovereign Lord of all will not refrain himself for any man’s person, Neither will he reverence greatness; Because it is he that made both small and great, And alike he takes thought for all;
8. But strict is the scrutiny that comes upon the powerful.
9. To you therefore, O princes, are my words, That you⌃ may learn wisdom and fall not from the right way.
10. For they that have kept holily the things that are holy shall themselves be hallowed; And they that have been taught them shall find what to answer;