Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
12 The wicked plot(A) against the righteous
and gnash their teeth(B) at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.(C)
14 The wicked draw the sword(D)
and bend the bow(E)
to bring down the poor and needy,(F)
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,(G)
and their bows will be broken.(H)
16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth(I) of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,(J)
but the Lord upholds(K) the righteous.
18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care,(L)
and their inheritance will endure forever.(M)
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
14 In the morning David wrote a letter(A) to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down(B) and die.(C)”
16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. 17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.
18 Joab sent David a full account of the battle. 19 He instructed the messenger: “When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, 20 the king’s anger may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? 21 Who killed Abimelek(D) son of Jerub-Besheth[a]? Didn’t a woman drop an upper millstone on him from the wall,(E) so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then say to him, ‘Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.’”
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(A) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(B) whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,(C) whether living in plenty or in want.(D) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(E)
14 Yet it was good of you to share(F) in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(G) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(H) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(I) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(J) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.(K) 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(L) 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus(M) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant(N) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs(O) according to the riches of his glory(P) in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father(Q) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(R)
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