Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 8:4-21

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 124

A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare—

if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,

when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive,

then the floods would have engulfed us, then the torrent would have overwhelmed us,

then the raging waters would have swept us away.

Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.

We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away.

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

SECOND READING

Ephesians 5:15-20

Verse 15. Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, Verse 16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Verse 18. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Verse 19. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, Verse 20. always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.