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, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
- 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.