First ReadingProverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
From the Book of Proverbs
1The king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand like the watercourses.He turns it wherever he desires.2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,but the Lord weighs the hearts.3To do righteousness and justiceis more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.4A high look and a proud heart,the lamp of the wicked, is sin.5The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit;and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.6Getting treasures by a lying tongueis a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. verses 7–9 are not read10The soul of the wicked desires evil;his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.11When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked,and brings the wicked to ruin.13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor,he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.