1
Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness, 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 men from God, and when his power is tested, it convicts the foolish;
4
because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin.
5
For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit, and will rise and depart from foolish thoughts, and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.