Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
A song to sing as we climb.
David wrote this song.[a]
124 If the Lord was not fighting for us,
what would have happened?
Israel's people, now answer:
2 ‘If the Lord was not fighting for us when men attacked us,
3 our enemies would have eaten us alive![b]
They would have destroyed us,
because they were so angry against us.
4 They would have been too strong for us,
like rivers of waters that covered us,
5 They would have been like deep water over our heads
that drowned us.[c]
6 We should praise the Lord!
He did not let our enemies destroy us,
like wild animals that kill their food and eat it.
7 Now we have become free,
like a bird that got free out of a trap.
Our enemies lost their power, and we are free![d]
8 The one who helped us is the Lord.
He made the whole universe.’
4 ‘I call out to all of you, wherever you live on earth.
5 You who are silly, learn to be wise!
You who are fools, learn to understand what is right.
6 Listen! I have important things to tell you.
Everything that I will speak is right.
7 I say only things that are true.
I hate all wicked lies.
8 Everything that I say is right and true.
I say nothing that will deceive you.
9 If you understand what is right, you will understand all my words.
If you have knowledge, you will know that they are true.
10 Receive my wise teaching and knowledge as valuable things.
They are more valuable than silver or the best gold.
11 Wisdom is more valuable than jewels.
Nothing that you might ever want is equal to it.
12 I, wisdom, live with an honest mind as my friend.
I have knowledge and I understand what is right.
13 If you respect the Lord with fear, then you will hate anything that is evil.
I hate proud people who boast.
I hate people who live evil lives.
I hate people who say things to deceive others.
14 I tell people how to do wise things that are right.
I understand what is right and I am strong.
15 I help kings to rule well.
I help rulers to make fair laws.
16 I help leaders, officers and all judges to lead people in a good way.
17 I love those people who love me.
Whoever looks for me will find me.
18 I am able to give people riches and honour.
I help people to use their money well and to do what is right.
19 What you receive from me is better than the best gold.
It is better than the best silver.
20 I walk along the way that is righteous.
I follow the path of justice.
21 In that way, people who love me will receive riches.
I fill their houses with valuable things.
15 So you must be very careful how you live. Live like people who are wise. Do not live like fools. 16 Many bad things are happening in these days. So, whenever you have a chance to do something good, do as much as you can. 17 Do not live like fools. But instead, understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Do not drink too much wine so that you become drunk. That will destroy your life. Instead, let God's Spirit fill you. 19 He will help you to speak to each other with all kinds of spiritual songs. Sing psalms from the Bible, and Christian songs. Praise the Lord with songs from inside yourselves. 20 And always thank God, the Father, for everything, by our Lord Jesus Christ's name.
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