Father Mike Schmitz

If anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.

So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.

Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies.

You know that they breed quarrels.

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.

God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil after being captured by him to do his will.

Chapter 31, the sayings of Lemuel's mother, praise of a good wife.

The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him.

"'What my son, what son of my womb, "'what son of my vows?

"'Give not your strength to women, "'your ways to those who destroy kings.

"'It is not for kings, O Lemuel, "'it is not for kings to drink wine, "'or for rulers to desire strong drink.'

lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Give strong drink to him who is perishing and wine to those in bitter distress.

We thank you so much for this opportunity to hear your word, to be shaped by your will, and to find ourselves in your plan, find ourselves in the palm of your hand.

Lord God, we just thank you.

Help us to walk as faithful people, not as faithless people.

You are faithful, even when we are not.

Help us to cast our cares upon you because you care for us.

In Jesus' name we pray.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen.