Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
To the Director: A song by the Sons of Korah, to the tune of[a] “The Maidens”.
God is the Refuge of His People
46 God is our refuge and strength,
a great help in times of distress.
2 Therefore we will not be frightened
when the earth roars,
when the mountains shake in the depths of the seas,
3 when its waters roar and rage,
when the mountains tremble despite their pride.[b]
4 Look! There is a river
whose streams make the city of God rejoice,
even the Holy Place of the Most High.
5 Since God is in her midst,
she will not be shaken.
God will help her
at the break of dawn.
6 The nations roared;
the kingdoms were shaken.
His voice boomed;
the earth melts.
7 The Lord of the heavenly armies is with us;
our refuge is the God of Jacob.
8 Come, observe the mighty works of the Lord,
who causes desolation in the earth.
9 He causes wars to cease all over[c] the earth,
he causes the bow to break, the spear to snap,
the chariots to ignite and burn.
10 Be in awe and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted throughout the earth.
11 The Lord of the heavenly armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Wisdom Calls for an Audience
8 Isn’t wisdom calling out;
isn’t understanding raising her voice?
2 On top of the highest places along the road
she stands where the roads meet.
3 Beside the gates, at the city entrance—
at the entrance to the portals she cries aloud:
4 “I’m calling to you, men!
What I have to say pertains[a] to all mankind!
5 Understand prudence, you naïve people;
and gain an understanding heart, you foolish ones.
6 Listen, because I have noble things to say,
and what I have to say[b] will reveal what is right.
7 For my mouth speaks the truth—
wickedness is detestable to me.
8 Everything I have to say is just;
there isn’t anything corrupt or perverse in my speech.[c]
9 Everything I say is sensible to someone who understands,
and correct to those who have acquired knowledge.
10 Grab hold of my instruction in lieu of money
and knowledge instead of the finest gold,
11 because wisdom is better than precious gems[d]
and nothing you desire can compare to it.”
The Way of Wisdom
12 “I, wisdom, am related to[e] prudence.
I know how to be discreet.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.
Pride, arrogance, an evil lifestyle,
and perverted speech I despise.
14 Counsel belongs to me,
along with sound judgment.
I am understanding.
Power belongs to me.
15 Kings reign by me,
and rulers dispense justice through me.
16 By me leaders rule, as do noble officials
and all who govern justly.[f]
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me will find me.
18 Wealth and honor accompany me,
as do enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold,
better[g] than even refined gold,
and my benefit surpasses the purest silver.
20 I walk on the way of righteousness,
along paths that are just,
21 I bequeath wealth to those who love me,
and I will fill their treasuries.”
Jesus Appoints Twelve Apostles(A)
13 Then Jesus[a] went up on a hillside and called to himself those whom he had decided on, and they approached him. 14 He appointed the Twelve,[b] whom he called apostles, to accompany him, to be sent out to preach, 15 and to have the authority to drive out demons. 16 He appointed the Twelve:[c] Simon (whom he named Peter), 17 Zebedee’s sons James and his brother John (whom he named Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus,[d] Simon the Cananaean,[e] 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
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