Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
God’s Revelation in the Heavens
19 The heavens are declaring the glory of God,
and their expanse shows the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech,
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor are there words—
their voice is not heard—
4 yet their message[a] goes out into all the world,
and their words to the ends of the earth.
He has set up a tent for the sun in the heavens,[b]
5 which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
or like a champion who rejoices at the beginning of a race.
6 Its circuit is from one end of the sky to the other,
and nothing is hidden from its heat.
God’s Revelation in the Law
7 The Law of the Lord is perfect,
restoring life.
The testimony of the Lord is steadfast,
making foolish people wise.
8 The precepts of the Lord are upright,
making the heart rejoice.
The commandment of the Lord is pure,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean,
standing forever.
The judgments of the Lord are true;
they are altogether righteous.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even much fine gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even the drippings from a honeycomb.
11 Moreover your servant is warned by them;
and there is great reward in keeping them.
12 Who can detect his own[c] mistake?
Cleanse me from hidden sin.
13 Preserve your servant from arrogant people;[d]
do not let them rule over me.
Then I will be upright[e]
and acquitted of great wickedness.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
How to Live Wisely
15 A gentle response diverts anger,
but a harsh statement incites fury.
2 The wise speak, presenting[a] knowledge appropriately,
but fools spout foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
observing both the evil and the good.
4 A gentle statement[b] is a tree of life,
but perverted speech shatters the spirit.
5 A fool rejects his father’s instructions,
but anyone who respects[c] reproof acts sensibly.
6 The righteous house is itself[d] a great treasure,
but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work.
7 What the wise have to say disseminates[e] knowledge,
but it’s not in the heart of fools to do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,
but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.
10 Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path—
anyone who despises reproof will die.
11 Since Sheol[f] and Abaddon[g] lie open in the Lord’s presence,
how much more the hearts of human beings!
12 The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him;
he will not inquire of[h] the wise.
13 A happy heart enlightens the face,
but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.
14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.
15 The entire life[i] of the afflicted seems disastrous,
but a good heart feasts continuously.
On Contentment and Other Good Things of Life
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac—he who had received the promises was about to offer his unique son[a] in sacrifice, 18 about whom it had been said, “It is through Isaac that descendants will be named for you.”[b] 19 Abraham[c] was certain that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did get Isaac[d] back in this way.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons “and worshipped while leaning[e] on the top of his staff.”
22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelis and gave them instructions about burying[f] his bones.
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