²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians^(A) and enchanters in his whole kingdom.^(B)

¹⁹ Because of the high position he gave him, all the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death;^(A) those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled.^(B)