Proverbs 14:15-26 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 15
- The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.
- 16
- A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.
- 17
- A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated.
- 18
- The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- 19
- The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
- 20
- The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
- 21
- He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
- 22
- Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
- 23
- In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.
- 24
- The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly.
- 25
- A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
- 26
- In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.