5 ^aThe Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high;
He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. ‡

6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times,
And the strength of salvation;
The fear of the Lord is His treasure.

8 ^aThe highways lie waste,
The traveling man ceases.
^bHe has broken the covenant,
¹He has despised the² cities,
He regards no man. ‡

9 ^aThe earth mourns and languishes,
Lebanon is shamed and shriveled;
Sharon is like a wilderness,
And Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. ‡