Proverbs 8:1-21 (Vespers, 2nd 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.