18 He loosens the fetters of kings, and he binds a loincloth on their loins.
19 He leads priests away stripped, and he overthrows the members of ancient families.
20 He deprives the trustworthy of speech, and he takes away the discretion of elders.
21 He pours contempt on noblemen, and he loosens the girdle of the mighty.
22 “He uncovers mysteries out of darkness, and he brings deep shadow to the light.
23 He makes the nations great, then he destroys them; he expands the nations, then he guides them.
24 He strips away the insight of the heads of the earth’s people, and he makes them wander in a pathless wasteland.