Proverbs 3:1-18 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 1
- My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands;
- 2
- for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
- 3
- Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
- 4
- and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
- 5
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- 6
- in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
- 7
- Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.
- 8
- It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
- 9
- Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
- 10
- so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
- 11
- My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;
- 12
- for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.
- 13
- Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
- 14
- for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
- 15
- She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
- 16
- Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.
- 17
- Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
- 18
- She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.