13:7 Will you speak wickedly 1 on God’s behalf? 2
Will you speak deceitfully for him?
13:8 Will you show him partiality? 3
Will you argue the case 4 for God?
13:9 Would it turn out well if he would examine 5 you?
Or as one deceives 6 a man would you deceive him?
13:10 He would certainly rebuke 7 you
if you secretly 8 showed partiality!
13:11 Would not his splendor 9 terrify 10 you
and the fear he inspires 11 fall on you?
13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, 12 and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 13:2 So the person who resists such authority 13 resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment 13:3 (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, 13:4 for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God’s servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.