September 24th, 2004, Tuesday of the 25th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of Proverbs.

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. The Responsorial Psalm. The response

is, Guide me, Lord in the way of your commands.

Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

The way of truth I have chosen, I have set your ordinances before me.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Give me discernment that I may observe your law

and keep it with all my heart. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Lead me in the path of your commands,

for in it I delight. Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands, for in it I delight.

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