<p class="bodytext">The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times &#8211; for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.<n id="1" />

Hiram sent his fleet and some of his sailors, who were well acquainted with the sea, to serve with Solomon&#8217;s men.<n id="1" />

Then with smooth words he will defile<n id="1" /> those who have rejected<n id="2" /> the covenant. But the people who are loyal to<n id="3" /> their God will act valiantly.<n id="4" />

for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open<n id="1" /> and you will be like divine beings who know<n id="2" /> good and evil.&#8221;<n id="3" />p>

<p class="poetry">Listen to me, you who know what is right,p> <p class="poetry">you people who are aware of my law!<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">Don&#8217;t be afraid of the insults of men;p> <p class="poetry">don&#8217;t be discouraged because of their abuse!p>

<p class="poetry">Mourn for that nation, all you nations living around it,p> <p class="poetry">all of you nations that know of its fame.<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">Mourn and say, &#8216;Alas, its powerful influence has been broken!p> <p class="poetry">Its glory and power have been done away!&#8217;<n id="2" />p>

<p class="bodytext">&#8220;Now you, Ezra, in keeping with the wisdom of your God which you possess,<n id="1" /> appoint judges<n id="2" /> and court officials who can arbitrate cases on behalf of all the people who are in Trans-Euphrates who know the laws of your God. Those who do not know this law should be taught.