Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 8:32-9:6

Verse 32. Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Verse 33. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Verse 34. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. Verse 35. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. Verse 36. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Verse 1. Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. Verse 2. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. Verse 3. She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. Verse 4. “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. Verse 5. “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Verse 6. Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

PSALM

Psalm 73:1-20

A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.

Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.

From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.

The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

Behold, these are the wicked — always carefree as they increase their wealth.

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.

Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!

Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

SECOND READING

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Verse 29. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. Verse 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. Verse 31. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. Verse 32. And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, Verse 33. who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, Verse 34. quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Verse 35. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Verse 36. Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. Verse 37. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. Verse 38. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. Verse 39. These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. Verse 40. God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect. Verse 1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Verse 2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.