Psalm 36 and Mark 12:28-34

Psalm 36

[1]   Transgression speaks to the wicked   

          deep in their hearts;   

     there is no fear of God   

          before their eyes.   

[2]   For they flatter themselves in their own eyes   

          that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.   

[3]   The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;   

          they have ceased to act wisely and do good.   

[4]   They plot mischief while on their beds;   

          they are set on a way that is not good;   

          they do not reject evil.

[5]   Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,   

          your faithfulness to the clouds.   

[6]   Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,   

          your judgments are like the great deep;   

          you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.

[7]   How precious is your steadfast love, O God!   

          All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.   

[8]   They feast on the abundance of your house,   

          and you give them drink from the river of your delights.   

[9]   For with you is the fountain of life;   

          in your light we see light.

[10]  O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,   

          and your salvation to the upright of heart!   

[11]  Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,   

          or the hand of the wicked drive me away.   

[12]  There the evildoers lie prostrate;   

          they are thrust down, unable to rise. 

Mark 12:28-34

[28]One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" [29]Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; [30]you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' [31]The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

There is no other commandment greater than these." [32]Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; [33]and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,' -- this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." [34]When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.