A reading from
the Book of Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord;/ wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes,/ but it is the Lord who proves hearts.
To do what is right and just/ is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart—/ the tillage of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,/ but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue/ is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
The soul of the wicked man desires evil;/ his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser;/ when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
The just man appraises the house of the wicked:/ there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor/ will himself also call and not be heard.
The word of the Lord.
