Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
9 Be gracious to me, Lord,
because I am in distress;(A)
my eyes are worn out from frustration—
my whole being[a] as well.(B)
10 Indeed, my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;(C)
my strength has failed
because of my iniquity,[b]
and my bones waste away.(D)
11 I am ridiculed by all my adversaries
and even by my neighbors.
I am dreaded by my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street run from me.(E)
12 I am forgotten: gone from memory
like a dead person—like broken pottery.(F)
13 I have heard the gossip of many;
terror is on every side.(G)
When they conspired against me,
they plotted to take my life.(H)
13 Be quiet,[a] and I will speak.
Let whatever comes happen to me.
14 I will put[b] myself at risk[c]
and take my life in my own hands.
15 Even if he kills me, I will hope in him.[d]
I will still defend(A) my ways before him.
16 Yes, this will result in my deliverance,
for no godless person(B) can appear before him.
17 Pay close attention to my words;
let my declaration ring in your ears.
18 Now then, I have prepared my case;(C)
I know that I am right.
19 Can anyone indict me?
If so, I will be silent and die.
Living Is Christ
21 For me, to live is Christ(A) and to die is gain.(B) 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful(C) work(D) for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ(E)—which is far better(F)— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,(G) 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting(H) in Christ Jesus(I) may abound.
27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life(J) worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm(K) in one(L) spirit, in one accord,[a] contending together for the faith(M) of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents.(N) This is a sign of destruction for them,(O) but of your salvation(P)—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe(Q) in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
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