Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
First Book—Psalms 1–41
Psalm 1[a]
True Happiness in God’s Law
I
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the way[b] of sinners,
nor sit in company with scoffers.(A)
2 Rather, the law of the Lord[c] is his joy;
and on his law he meditates day and night.(B)
3 He is like a tree(C)
planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season;
Its leaves never wither;
whatever he does prospers.
II
V. Further Sayings of the Wise[a]
23 These also are Words of the Wise:
To show partiality in judgment is not good.(A)
24 Whoever says to the guilty party, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by nations, scorned by peoples;
25 But those who render just verdicts will fare well,
and on them will come the blessing of prosperity.
26 An honest reply—
a kiss on the lips.[b]
27 Complete your outdoor tasks,
and arrange your work in the field;
afterward you can build your house.[c]
28 Do not testify falsely against your neighbor(B)
and so deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, “As they did to me, so will I do to them;(C)
I will repay them according to their deeds.”[d]
30 [e]I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of one with no sense;
31 It was all overgrown with thistles;
its surface was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall broken down.
32 As I gazed at it, I reflected;
I saw and learned a lesson:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,(D)
a little folding of the arms to rest—
34 Then poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like a brigand.
39 You search[a] the scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf.(A) 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life.
Unbelief of Jesus’ Hearers. 41 “I do not accept human praise;[b] 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.(B) 43 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him.(C) 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?(D) 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope.(E) 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me.(F) 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.