Proverbs 8:1-21 (Vespers, 1st Reading)
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. |
6 |
Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; |
7 |
For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. |
8 |
All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. |
9 |
They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. |
10 |
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; |
11 |
For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. |
12 |
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. |
13 |
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. |
14 |
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. |
15 |
By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. |
16 |
By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. |
17 |
I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. |
18 |
Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. |
19 |
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. |
20 |
I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, |
21 |
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. |