1. So then listen, you rulers, and understand. Learn, you who judge the far reaches of the earth.
2. Pay attention, you who have power over multitudes, you who take pride in having power over throngs of nations.
3. The Lord gave you authority to rule. The Most High gave you your power. He will watch carefully what you do and examine everything that you are planning.
4. You are merely stewards of his kingdom. If you don’t judge rightly, if you don’t keep the Law, or if you don’t act according to God’s plan,
5. then he’ll fall upon you very suddenly and very terribly. Judgment falls hard on those in high places.
6. Those who aren’t important may be pardoned out of compassion, but the powerful will be powerfully examined.
7. The ruler of all won’t back down from anyone. He won’t show any special consideration to someone whom others consider great. The ruler of all made both the small and the great, and he regards them all in the same way.
8. But a stern judgment will fall upon the ruthless.
9. Yes, I’m speaking to you who rule with unbridled might so that you may learn wisdom and avoid going astray.
10. Those who have treasured holy things in a holy way will themselves be made holy. Those who have been instructed in holy things will be able to offer a defense for what they have done.
11. So desire my words with all your heart. Commit yourself to them, and you will be educated.
12. Wisdom is bright and unfading. She readily appears to those who love her. She’s found by those who keep seeking after her.
13. She makes herself known even in advance to those who desire her with all their hearts.
14. Someone who awakens before dawn to look for her will find her already sitting at the door.