Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹² Jerusalem, praise the Lord.
    Zion, praise your God.
¹³ He makes the metal bars of your gates stronger.
    He blesses the people who live inside you.
¹⁴ He keeps your borders safe and secure.
    He satisfies you with the finest wheat.

¹⁵ He sends his command to the earth.
    His word arrives there quickly.
¹⁶ He spreads the snow like wool.
    He scatters the frost like ashes.
¹⁷ He throws down his hail like pebbles.
    No one can stand his icy blast.
¹⁸ He gives his command, and the ice melts.
    He stirs up his winds, and the waters flow.

¹⁹ He has made his word known to the people of Jacob.
    He has made his laws and rules known to Israel.
²⁰ He hasn’t done that for any other nation.
    They don’t know his laws.

Praise the Lord.

² Proverbs teach you wisdom and instruct you.
    They help you understand wise sayings.
³ They provide you with instruction and help you live wisely.
    They lead to what is right and honest and fair.
⁴ They give understanding to childish people.
    They give knowledge and good sense to those who are young.
⁵ Let wise people listen and add to what they have learned.
    Let those who understand what is right get guidance.
⁶ What I’m teaching also helps you understand proverbs and stories.
    It helps you understand the sayings and riddles of those who are wise.

⁷ If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the Lord.
    But foolish people hate wisdom and instruction.