Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
9 Be gracious to me, O Yahweh,
because I have distress.
My eye wastes away because of vexation,
along with my soul and my body.[a]
10 For my life is at an end with sorrow,
and my years with sighing.
My strength stumbles because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away.
11 Because of all my adversaries I have become a disgrace,
especially to my neighbors,
and a dread to my acquaintances.
Those who see me in the street flee from me.
12 I have become forgotten like one dead, out of mind.[b]
I am like a destroyed vessel.
13 For I hear the rumor of many,
“Terror on every side!”
When conspiring together against me,
they have plotted to take my life.
14 But as for me, I trust you, O Yahweh.
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times[c] are in your hand.
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Shine your face upon your servant.
Save me by your loyal love.
13 “Let me have silence,[a] and I myself[b] will speak,
and let come over me whatever may.
14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth
and[c] put[d] my life in my hand?
15 Look,[e] though he kill me, I will hope in[f] him;
however, I will defend my ways before him.[g]
16 Moreover, this is salvation to me,
that the godless would not come before him.[h]
17 “Listen carefully to my words,
and let my exposition be in your ears.
18 Please look,[i] I have prepared my case;
I know that I myself[j] will be vindicated.
19 Who is he who will contend with me?
For then I would be silent, and I would pass away.
21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if it is to live in the flesh, this is fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer I do not know. 23 But I am hard pressed between the two options[a], having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for this is very much better[b]. 24 But to stay on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 And because I am[c] convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that what you can be proud of may increase in Christ Jesus because of me through my return again to you.
Stand Firm for the Gospel
27 Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear your circumstances[d], that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not letting yourselves be intimidated in anything by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction to them, but of your salvation, and this from God, 29 because to you has been graciously granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on behalf of him, 30 having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me.
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