3 You received your authorityfrom the Lord Most High,and he will judge your deedsand your thoughts.
4 Although you were his servants,you disobeyed himand ruled unjustly.
5 So now the Lord will punish youboth quickly and harshlybecause you are in power.
6 God forgives ordinary people,but severely punishesthe high and the mighty.
7 The Lord created everyone—the powerful and the weak.God has no favorites;he isn't afraid of anyone,
8 and he requires rulersto answer for what they do.
9 I am speaking to you rulers,so that you will have wisdomand not sin against God.