Wis 6:1-9

1Hear, therefore, kings, and understand;^a

learn, you magistrates^* of the earth’s expanse!

2Give ear, you who have power over multitudes

and lord it over throngs of peoples!

3Because authority was given you by the Lord

and sovereignty by the Most High,

who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels!^b

4Because, 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,

5Terribly and swiftly he shall come against you,

because severe judgment awaits the exalted—

6For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy^c

but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.

7For the Ruler of all shows no partiality,

nor does he fear greatness,^d

Because he himself made the great as well as the small,

and provides for all alike;

8but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.

9To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed^e

that you may learn wisdom and that you may not fall away.