Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15 (Vespers, 3rd reading, Athanasius)
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- But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
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- For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years;
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- but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age.
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- There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,
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- He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul.
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- For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
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- Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
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- for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness.
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- Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.