Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

To the Overcomer, A Psalm of David.

¹ ¶ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows the work of his hands.

² One day provides a word for the next day, and one night declares wisdom unto the next night.

³ There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

⁴ Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tabernacle for the sun,

⁵ which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.

⁶ His going forth is from the end of the heavens, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

⁷ ¶ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

⁸ The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

⁹ The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the rights of the LORD are true, they are all just.

¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover by them is thy slave warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.

¹² Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

¹³ Keep back thy slave also from pride and arrogance; let them not have dominion over me; then I shall be perfect, and I shall be innocent of the great rebellion.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

²⁴ ¶ The slothful man hides his hand in his bosom and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

²⁵ ¶ Smite a scorner, and the simple will become prudent, and reproving one that has understanding, he will understand knowledge.

²⁶ ¶ He that steals from his father and chases away his mother is a son that causes shame and brings reproach.

²⁷ ¶ Cease, my son, to hear the teaching that induces one to deviate from the reasons of wisdom.

²⁸ ¶ A witness of Belial shall scorn judgment, and the mouth of the wicked shall cover iniquity.

²⁹ ¶ Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.

¹⁷ Even so faith, if it does not have works, is dead in and of itself.

¹⁸ But someone may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

¹⁹ Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well; the demons also believe and tremble.

²⁰ But, O vain man, dost thou desire to know that faith without works is dead?

²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?

²² Dost thou not see how the faith worked together with his works, and the faith was complete by the works?

²³ And that the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the Friend of God.

²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.

²⁵ Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.