1
Wisdom is better than strength, and a wise man is better than a strong man.
2
Hear therefore, ye kings, and understand: learn, ye that are judges of the ends of the earth.
3
Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations:
4
For power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts:
5
Because being ministers of his kingdom, you have not judged rightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor walked according to the will of God.
6
Horribly and speedily will he appear to you: for a most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule.
7
For to him that is little, mercy is granted: but the mighty shall be mightily tormented.
8
For God will not except any man's person, neither will he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he made the little and the great, and he hath equally care of all.
9
But a greater punishment is ready for the more mighty.
10
To you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that you may learn wisdom, and not fall from it.