^7-8 He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. ⁹ He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time.

²⁰ My paths are those of justice and right.

⁵ A good man’s mind is filled with honest thoughts; an evil man’s mind is crammed with lies.

²³ A poor man’s farm may have good soil, but injustice robs him of its riches.

¹⁰ God will help the king to judge the people fairly; there need be no mistakes.

¹¹ The Lord demands fairness in every business deal.^[a] He established this principle.

¹² It is a horrible thing for a king to do evil. His right to rule depends upon his fairness.^[b]

¹⁵ The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad.

²³ It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justice.

²⁶ How shortsighted to fine the godly for being good! And to punish nobles for being honest!

⁵ It is wrong for a judge to favor the wicked and condemn the innocent.

²⁸ A worthless witness cares nothing for truth—he enjoys his sinning too much.