Proverbs 8:32-9:11 (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
32 |
“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. |
33 |
Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. |
34 |
Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. |
35 |
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; |
36 |
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” |
1 |
Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; |
2 |
She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. |
3 |
She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, |
4 |
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, |
5 |
“Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. |
6 |
Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. |
7 |
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. |
8 |
Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; |
9 |
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. |
10 |
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. |
11 |
For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. |