Proverbs 21:3-21 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 3
- To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
- 4
- A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.
- 5
- The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
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- Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
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- The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.
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- The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right.
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- Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
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- The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
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- When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
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- The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
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- Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.
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- A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
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- It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
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- A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
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- He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
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- The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
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- Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.
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- There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.
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- He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.