Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
A psalm by David.
110 The Lord said to my Lord,
“Take the honored position—the one next to me [God the Father] on the heavenly throne
until I put your enemies under your control.”[a]
2 The Lord will extend your powerful scepter from Zion.
Rule your enemies who surround you.
3 Your people will volunteer when you call up your army.
Your young people will come to you in holy splendor
like dew in the early morning.[b]
4 The Lord has taken an oath and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever, in the way Melchizedek was a priest.”
5 The Lord is at your right side.
He will crush kings on the day of his anger.
6 He will pass judgment on the nations
and fill them with dead bodies.
Throughout the earth he will crush ⌞their⌟ heads.
7 He will drink from the brook along the road.
He will hold his head high.
Using Wisdom
3 My son,
do not forget my teachings,
and keep my commands in mind,
2 because they will bring you
long life, good years, and peace.
3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and much success
in the sight of God and humanity.
5 Trust the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths smooth.[a]
7 Do not consider yourself wise.
Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 ⌞Then⌟ your body will be healed,
and your bones will have nourishment.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the first and best part of all your income.[b]
10 Then your barns will be full,
and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
11 Do not reject the discipline of the Lord, my son,
and do not resent his warning,
12 because the Lord warns the one he loves,
even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.
Stop Slandering Each Other
11 Brothers and sisters, stop slandering each other. Those who slander and judge other believers slander and judge God’s laws. If you judge God’s teachings, you are no longer following them. Instead, you are judging them. 12 There is only one who creates laws and judges on the basis of them. He is able to save or destroy you. So who are you to judge your neighbor?
Don’t Brag about Your Plans for the Future
13 Pay attention to this! You’re saying, “Today or tomorrow we will go into some city, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money.” 14 You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. 15 Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and carry out our plans.” 16 However, you brag because you’re arrogant. All such bragging is evil.
17 Whoever knows what is right but doesn’t do it is sinning.
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