²⁰ Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom^(A) like that of an angel of God—he knows everything that happens in the land.^(B)”

⁹ So give your servant a discerning^(A) heart to govern your people and to distinguish^(B) between right and wrong. For who is able^(C) to govern this great people of yours?”

¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked^(A) for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment^(B) in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked.^(C) I will give you a wise^(D) and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.