Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

Ayin: It Is Time to Act

²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding and breadth of knowledge^[a] like the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than all the wisdom of the men of the East and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ He was wiser than any man, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, wiser than Heman, Kalkol, or Darda, the sons of Mahol. His name was known in all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered one thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about trees, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He also spoke about animals, birds, reptiles and other crawling things, and fish. ³⁴ From all the peoples and from all the kings of the earth who heard about Solomon’s wisdom, people came to listen to his wisdom.

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. ¹² For our^[a] struggle is not against flesh and blood,^[b] but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to take a stand on the evil day and, after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in place, ¹⁵ and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your feet like sandals. ¹⁶ At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. ¹⁷ Also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prayer Requests

¹⁸ At every opportunity, pray in the Spirit with every kind of prayer and petition. Stay alert for the same reason, always persevering in your intercession for all the saints.