A reading from the book of Syrac.

Rely not on your wealth.

Say not, I have the power.

Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart.

Say not who can prevail against me or who will subdue me for my deeds.

For God will surely exact the punishment.

Say not, I have sinned, yet what has befallen me,

for the most high bides his time.

Or forgiveness, be not overconfident,

adding sin upon sin.

Say not, great is his mercy, my many sins he will forgive. For mercy and anger alike are with him.

Upon the wicket alights his wrath. Delay not your conversion to the Lord. Put it not off from day to day, for suddenly his wrath flames forth. At the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed.

Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath. The word of the

Lord.

Thanks to God.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked,

nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent,

but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night.

Blessed our day, the Lord.

It is like a tree planted near running water

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