Proverbs 12:8-22 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 8
- A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
- 9
- Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
- 10
- A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
- 11
- He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.
- 12
- The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
- 13
- The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble.
- 14
- A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
- 15
- The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.
- 16
- A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.
- 17
- He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
- 18
- There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
- 19
- The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
- 20
- Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.
- 21
- No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
- 22
- Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.