1
Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart;
2
because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him.
3
For perverse thoughts separate people from God, and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish;
4
because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin.
5
For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will leave foolish thoughts behind, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.
6
For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words; because God is witness of their inmost feelings, and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues.
7
Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said,