Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Psalm 128

Blessings for Those Who Fear God

A song of ascents.

⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. ¹⁰ For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?^{(A) 12} And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

¹³ Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.^{(B) 14} For he came from prison to be king,^(C) even though he was born poor in his kingdom. ¹⁵ I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow^[a] a second youth who succeeds him. ¹⁶ There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.^(D)

Warning to the Rich

5 Come now, you rich^(A) people! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. ² Your wealth is ruined and your clothes are moth-eaten.^{(B) 3} Your silver and gold are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up treasure in the last days!^{(C) 4} Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers^(D) who reaped your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.^{[a](E) 5} You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts^(F) for^[b] the day of slaughter.^{(G) 6} You have condemned—you have murdered—the righteous man; he does not resist you.^(H)