2 Samuel 23:1-7

International Standard Version

The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
    an oracle by the valiant one who was exalted—
anointed by the God of Jacob,
    the contented psalm writer of Israel.

² The Spirit of the Lord speaks within^[a] me;
    his word is on my tongue!
³ The God of Israel has spoken;
    the Rock of Israel has talked to me.
“When one is governing men justly,
    he fears God while governing.
⁴ He is like dawn’s first^[b] light,
    like bright sun blazing on a cloudless morning,
        glistening on grassland that flourishes after a rain shower.

⁵ Is not my dynasty^[c] like this with God?
    Has he not made an eternal covenant with me,
        preparing every detail of it?
And he has made it secure,
    including my complete^[d] salvation, has he not?
He has been of continual ^[e] help, has he not,
    even with respect to all of my desires?

⁶ But ungodly men^[f] are like thorns that are discarded
    because they cannot be safely^[g] handled.
⁷ Whoever handles them
    wears heavy duty clothing,^[h]
carries strong tools,^[i]
    and burns them to ashes on the spot!^[j]