A reading from the book of Proverbs.

A perfect love – who can find one?

Such a person is valued far beyond pearls,
Instilling confidence in the partner’s heart,
providing no little profit,

Bringing advantage and not hurt

all the days of their lives;

Always busy with wool and with flax,

Doing the work with willing hands;
Setting hands to the distaff,

fingers grasping the spindle;
Holding out a hand to the poor,

greeting the needy with open arms.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty;

the people who are wise are the ones to praise.

Give them a share in what their hands have worked for,
and let their works tell their praises at the city gates.

The Word of God recorded in the book of Proverbs.

R: Blessed are those who fear the Most High.

 

O blessed are those who fear the Most High

and walk in God’s ways!

You will eat what your hands have worked for.

Happy will you be and favored.

R: Blessed are those who fear the Most High.

You will be like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

Your children like the shoots of the olive

around your table.

R: Blessed are those who fear the Most High.

 

Indeed thus will be blessed

the one who fears Our God

May Our God bless you from Zion

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children in a happy Jerusalem!

On Israel, peace!

R: Blessed are those who fear the Most High.