Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3 (Vespers, 1st reading)
- 15
- But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them.
- 16
- Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them.
- 17
- The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies;
- 18
- he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet;
- 19
- he will take holiness as a invincible shield,
- 20
- and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen.
- 21
- Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds,
- 22
- and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them;
- 23
- a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers.
- 1
- Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
- 2
- Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations.
- 3
- For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.