World English Bible
"Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?"
— Ezra 4:22, World English Bible
“Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?”
“And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? ”
“Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?””
“See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings.”
“Be certain to do this with all care: do not let trouble be increased to the king's damage.”
“Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?”
I decreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.
Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built, until a decree shall be made by me.
Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.