15 You are righteous, and you rule everything righteously. You have never used your power to condemn a person who does not deserve to be punished.
16 Your strength is the source of justice. You can show mercy to everyone, because you are the Lord of all.
17 You show your strength when people doubt that your power is perfect, and you punish anyone who knows your power but dares to ignore it.
18 Even though you have absolute power, you are a merciful judge. You could take action against us whenever you choose, but instead, you rule us with great patience.
19 By the things you have done you have taught your people that a person who is righteous must also be kind. You have given your people abundant hope by allowing them to repent of their sins.
20 You were very careful and patient in punishing your people's enemies; even when they deserved to die, you gave them every opportunity to give up their sinful ways.
21 But you judged your own people very strictly, even though you had made covenants with their ancestors and had solemnly promised to give them good things.