An exhortation to seek God sincerely, who cannot be deceived, and desires not our death.
1
Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.
2
For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth himself unto such as do not distrust him.
3
For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise.
4
For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.
5
For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.
6
For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
7
For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.
8
Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid: neither shall vengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.
9
For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for the manifestation of his wicked deeds.
10
For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of murmurings is not hid.
11
Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.
12
Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.
13
For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living.
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For he created all things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth:
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(For righteousness is immortal:)
16
But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them: for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nought, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to take part with it.