Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
² Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
³ They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
⁴ Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
⁵ Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
⁶ Such people will not be overcome by evil.
    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
⁷ They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
⁸ They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.
⁹ They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.
¹⁰ The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
    They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
    they are asking for a beating.

⁷ The mouths of fools are their ruin;
    they trap themselves with their lips.

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

⁹ A lazy person is as bad as
    someone who destroys things.

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
    the godly run to him and are safe.

¹¹ The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
    they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

¹² Haughtiness goes before destruction;
    humility precedes honor.