Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Heth
57 My portion is the Lord;
I promise to observe your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart:
have mercy on me in accord with your promise.
59 I have examined my ways
and turned my steps to your testimonies.
60 I am prompt, I do not hesitate
in observing your commandments.
61 Though the snares of the wicked surround me,
your law I do not forget.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you
because of your righteous judgments.
63 I am the friend of all who fear you,
of all who observe your precepts.
64 The earth, Lord, is filled with your mercy;(A)
teach me your statutes.
11 Golden apples in silver settings
are words spoken at the proper time.
12 A golden earring or a necklace of fine gold—
one who gives wise reproof to a listening ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow in the heat of the harvest
are faithful messengers for those who send them,
lifting the spirits of their masters.
14 Clouds and wind but no rain—
the one who boasts of a gift not given.
15 By patience is a ruler persuaded,(A)
and a soft tongue can break a bone.
16 [a]If you find honey, eat only what you need,
lest you have your fill and vomit it up.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbors’ house,
lest they have their fill of you—and hate you.
18 A club, sword, or sharp arrow—
the one who bears false witness against a neighbor.(B)
19 A bad tooth or an unsteady foot—
a trust betrayed in time of trouble.[b]
20 Like the removal of clothes on a cold day, or vinegar on soda,
is the one who sings to a troubled heart.
21 [c]If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat,
if thirsty, give something to drink;(C)
22 For live coals you will heap on their heads,
and the Lord will vindicate you.
Mutual Love. 9 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;(A) 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.(B) 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.(C) 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.(D) 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,(E) exercise hospitality. 14 [a]Bless those who persecute [you],(F) bless and do not curse them.(G) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.(H) 16 Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.(I) 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.(J) 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.(K) 19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(L) 20 Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”(M) 21 Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.
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.