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.

6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit and

will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of his words;

because God is witness of his inmost feelings,

and a true observer of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.

7 Because the Spirit of the Lord has filled the world,

and that which holds all things together knows what is said;