Proverbs 17:17-18:5 (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
17 |
I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. |
18 |
Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. |
19 |
For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; |
20 |
He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day.” |
21 |
With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, |
22 |
Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, |
23 |
Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life. |
24 |
Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: |
25 |
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; |
26 |
For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. |
27 |
Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death. |
1 |
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? |
2 |
She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. |
3 |
She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: |
4 |
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. |
5 |
O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. |