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; |
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. |