1 Hear, therefore, kings, and understand;learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse!
2 Give ear, you who have power over multitudesand lord it over throngs of peoples!
3 Because authority was given you by the Lordand sovereignty by the Most High,who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels!
4 Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you did not judge rightly,and did not keep the law,nor walk according to the will of God,
5 Terribly and swiftly he shall come against you,because severe judgment awaits the exalted—