Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 8:1-21

Verse 1. Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? Verse 2. On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Verse 3. Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: Verse 4. “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. Verse 5. O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. Verse 6. Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. Verse 7. For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips. Verse 8. All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse. Verse 9. They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. Verse 10. Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. Verse 11. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Verse 12. I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. Verse 13. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. Verse 14. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. Verse 15. By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; Verse 16. By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. Verse 17. I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. Verse 18. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. Verse 19. My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. Verse 20. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, Verse 21. bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

PSALM

Psalm 46

For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge.

There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.

Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.

The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.

He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

SECOND READING

Mark 3:13-19a

Verse 13. Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. Verse 14. He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, Verse 15. and to have authority to drive out demons. Verse 16. These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter), Verse 17. James son of Zebedee and his brother John ( whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”), Verse 18. Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Verse 19. and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.