¹⁷ This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer,^(A) the Holy One^(B) of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches^(C) you what is best for you,
    who directs^(D) you in the way^(E) you should go.

² “The Spirit^(A) of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
³ The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock^(B) of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,^(C)
    when he rules in the fear^(D) of God,^(E)
4 he is like the light^(F) of morning^(G) at sunrise^(H)
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain^(I)
    that brings grass from the earth.’

⁵ “If my house were not right with God,
    surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,^(J)
    arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
    and grant me my every desire.
⁶ But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,^(K)
    which are not gathered with the hand.
⁷ Whoever touches thorns
    uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
    they are burned up where they lie.”