Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Psalm 75
For the Music Director. To the melody of “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
1 We give thanks to You, O God;
we give thanks, and Your name is near;
Your wondrous works declare it.
2 When I select an appointed time,
I will judge with equity.
3 Though the earth and all its inhabitants are swaying,
I steady its pillars. Selah
4 I said to the boastful, “Do not boast,”
and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horn.
5 Do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with an arrogant neck.”
6 For neither from the east nor west,
nor from the wilderness comes victory.
7 But God is the judge;
He brings one low, and lifts up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup,
and it is full of mixed, foaming wine,
and He pours from it;
surely all the wicked of the earth will find and drink its dregs.
9 But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.
40 Moreover, the Lord answered Job and said:
2 “Will he who argues with the Almighty instruct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”
Job Replies to the Lord
3 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
4 “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer You?
I will lay my hand over my mouth.
5 Once have I spoken, but I will not answer;
yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”
The Lord Challenges Job
6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
7 “Prepare yourself now like a man;
I will question you,
and you will answer Me.
8 “Will you indeed annul My judgment?
Will you condemn Me, that you may be righteous?
9 Have you an arm like God?
Or can you thunder with a voice like Him?
10 Adorn yourself now with majesty and excellence,
and array yourself with glory and beauty.
11 Let loose the rage of your wrath,
and look on every one who is proud and abase him;
12 look on every one who is proud and bring him low,
and tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together,
and imprison them in the hidden place of the grave.
14 Then I will also confess to you
that your own right hand can save you.
15 “Look now at the behemoth
which I made along with you;
he eats grass like an ox.
16 See now his strength is in his hips,
and his power is in the muscles of his belly.
17 He moves his tail like a cedar;
the sinews of his thighs are wrapped together.
18 His bones are like strong pieces of brass;
his bones are like bars of iron.
19 He is the first of the works of God;
He who made him can bring near His sword.
20 Surely the mountains bring forth food for him,
where all the beasts of the field play.
21 He lies under the shady trees,
in the thicket of the reed and marsh.
22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow;
the willows of the brook surround him.
23 Look, the river rages, but he is not alarmed;
he trusts that he can draw up the Jordan into his mouth.
24 Can anyone catch it by its eyes,
or pierce its nose with a snare?
6 Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 This we will do if God permits.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to be renewed once more to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and subject Him to public shame. 7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. 8 But land that bears thorns and thistles is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things for you, things that accompany salvation, 10 for God is not unjust so as to forget your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering. 11 We desire that every one of you show the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end, 12 so that you may not be lazy, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.