⁹ “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion^(A) and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart^(B) and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him,^(C) he will be found by you; but if you forsake^(D) him, he will reject^(E) you forever.

¹¹ then say to them, ‘It is because your ancestors forsook me,’ declares the Lord, ‘and followed other gods and served and worshiped^(A) them. They forsook me and did not keep my law.^{(B) 12} But you have behaved more wickedly than your ancestors.^(C) See how all of you are following the stubbornness of your evil hearts^(D) instead of obeying me.