Proverbs 6:20-7:1 (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
20 |
My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. |
21 |
Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. |
22 |
When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. |
23 |
For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, |
24 |
To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. |
25 |
Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. |
26 |
For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. |
27 |
Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? |
28 |
Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? |
29 |
So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent. |
30 |
People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. |
31 |
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house. |
32 |
Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. |
33 |
Wounds and dishonor he will get, And his reproach will not be wiped away. |
34 |
For jealousy is a husband’s fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. |
35 |
He will accept no recompense, Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. |
1 |
My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. |