Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Psalm 124
The Lord Is on Our Side
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the Lord had not been on our side(A)
when people attacked us,(B)
3 then they would have swallowed us alive
in their burning anger against us.(C)
4 Then the water would have engulfed us;
the torrent would have swept over us;
5 the raging water would have swept over us.(D)
4 “People, I call out to you;
my cry is to the children of Adam.
5 Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced;
develop common sense, you who are foolish.
6 Listen, for I speak of noble things,
and what my lips say is right.
7 For my mouth tells the truth,(A)
and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
8 All the words from my mouth are righteous;
none of them are deceptive or perverse.(B)
9 All of them are clear to the perceptive,(C)
and right to those who discover knowledge.
10 Accept my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.(D)
11 For wisdom is better than jewels,(E)
and nothing desirable can equal it.(F)
12 I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness
and have knowledge and discretion.(G)
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.(H)
I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct,
and perverse speech.
14 I possess good advice and sound wisdom;[a]
I have understanding and strength.(I)
15 It is by me that kings reign(J)
and rulers enact just law;
16 by me, princes lead,
as do nobles and all righteous judges.[b]
17 I love those who love me,(K)
and those who search for me find me.(L)
18 With me are riches and honor,(M)
lasting wealth and righteousness.(N)
19 My fruit is better than solid gold,
and my harvest than pure silver.(O)
20 I walk in the ways of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 giving wealth as an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Consistency in the Christian Life
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time,[a](A) because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand(B) what the Lord’s will(C) is. 18 And don’t get drunk(D) with wine,(E) which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:(F) 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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