Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹² Extol the Lord, Jerusalem;^(A)
    praise your God, Zion.

¹³ He strengthens the bars of your gates^(B)
    and blesses your people^(C) within you.
¹⁴ He grants peace^(D) to your borders
    and satisfies you^(E) with the finest of wheat.^(F)

¹⁵ He sends his command^(G) to the earth;
    his word runs^(H) swiftly.
¹⁶ He spreads the snow^(I) like wool
    and scatters the frost^(J) like ashes.
¹⁷ He hurls down his hail^(K) like pebbles.
    Who can withstand his icy blast?
¹⁸ He sends his word^(L) and melts them;
    he stirs up his breezes,^(M) and the waters flow.

¹⁹ He has revealed his word^(N) to Jacob,^(O)
    his laws and decrees^(P) to Israel.
²⁰ He has done this for no other nation;^(Q)
    they do not know^(R) his laws.^[a]

Praise the Lord.^(S)

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a](D)
    knowledge and discretion^(E) to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,^(F)
    and let the discerning get guidance—
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,^(G)
    the sayings and riddles^(H) of the wise.^[b](I)

⁷ The fear of the Lord^(J) is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools^[c] despise wisdom^(K) and instruction.^(L)