16 True wisdom and power belong to him.

The deceived and the deceiver are his.

17 He leads counselors away barefoot

and makes judges go mad.v

18 He releases the bondsF put on by kingsw

and fastens a belt around their waists.

19 He leads priests away barefoot

and overthrows established leaders.x

20 He deprives trusted advisers of speech

and takes away the elders’ good judgment.

21 He pours out contempt on nobles

and disarmsA the strong.

22 He reveals mysteries from the darkness

and brings the deepest darkness into the light.a