Proverbs 9:1-11 (Vespers, 3rd reading, Theotokos)
- 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.”