Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Psalm 147
1 Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises unto our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the broken in heart,
and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord and great in power;
His understanding is without measure.
6 The Lord lifts up the meek;
He casts the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving;
sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 who covers the heaven with clouds,
who provides rain for the earth,
who makes grass to grow upon the mountains.
9 He gives food to the animals
and to the young ravens that chirp.
10 He delights not in the strength of the horse,
nor does He take pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
in those who hope in His mercy.
20 He has not dealt so with any other nation;
they have not known His judgments.
Praise the Lord!
10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
but he who follows vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked covet the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips,
but the just will come out of trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but he who listens to counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is presently known,
but a prudent man covers shame.
17 He who speaks truth shows forth righteousness,
but a false witness deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The truthful lip will be established forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil,
but to the counselors of peace is joy.
21 There will no evil happen to the just,
but the wicked will be filled with mischief.
Christian Freedom
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 I testify again to every man who is circumcised that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You have been cut off from Christ, whoever of you are justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith, eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith which works through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But he who is troubling you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I wish that those who are troubling you would castrate themselves!
13 You, brothers, have been called to liberty. Only do not use liberty to give an opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[a] 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another.
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.