Proverbs 8:32-9:11 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 32
- “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
- 33
- Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.
- 34
- Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
- 35
- For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord;
- 36
- but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”
- 1
- Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars;
- 2
- she has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.
- 3
- She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city,
- 4
- “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
- 5
- “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.
- 6
- Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.
- 7
- He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
- 8
- Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
- 9
- give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
- 10
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- 11
- For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”