²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(A) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes^(B) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²¹ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed,^(A) malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate^(A) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.^{(B) 8} When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ about sin,^(C) because people do not believe in me;

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.

³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

¹³ But everything exposed by the light^(A) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.