Proverbs 3:34-4:22 (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
34 |
Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. |
35 |
The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. |
1 |
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; |
2 |
For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. |
3 |
When I was my father’s son, |
4 |
He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. |
5 |
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. |
6 |
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. |
7 |
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. |
8 |
Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. |
9 |
She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” |
10 |
Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. |
11 |
I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. |
12 |
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. |
13 |
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. |
14 |
Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. |
15 |
Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. |
16 |
For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. |
17 |
For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. |
18 |
But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. |
19 |
The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. |
20 |
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. |
21 |
Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; |
22 |
For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. |