²⁰ Joab your servant has done this to address the issue indirectly,^[a] but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, knowing everything on earth.’

⁹ So give your servant a receptive heart to judge^(A) your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours? ’^(B)

¹¹ So God said to him, ‘Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life^[a] or riches for yourself,^(A) or the death^[b] of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to administer justice,^{(B) 12} I will therefore do what you have asked.^(C) I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again.^(D)