⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for ^[a]God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, ^(A)but the Lord looks at the heart.”

⁹ “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and ^(A)serve Him with ^[a]a whole heart and a willing ^[b]mind; ^(B)for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. ^(C)If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

²⁷ and ^(A)He who searches the hearts knows what ^(B)the mind of the Spirit is, because He ^(C)intercedes for the ^[a]saints according to the will of God.

²³ And I will kill her children with ^[a]pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who ^(A)searches the ^[b]minds and hearts; and ^(B)I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.