ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 6:11-16

Brethren, our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide.

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.

In return — I speak as to children — widen your hearts also.

Do not be mismated with unbelievers.

For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity?

Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial?

Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

What agreement has the temple of God with idols?

For we are the temple of the living God, as God said.

JOHN 12:19-36

At that time, the Pharisees took counsel against Jesus and said to one another, “You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him.

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus.

And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’

No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.

Father, glorify your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.

Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

He said this to show by what death he was to die.

The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever.

How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up?

Who is this Son of man?”

Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer.

Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.

ECCLESIASTICAL 5

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.”
‭‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.5.1-19.KJV

ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 5:15-21

Brethren, Christ died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once regarded Christ from a human point of view, we regard him thus no longer.

Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

JOHN 3:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.”

ECCLESIASTES 4

“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.

Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour.

This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good?

This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him.

Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
‭‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.4.1-16.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 4:22-27

Brethren, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman.

But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise.

Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants.

One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.

Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;

break forth and shout, you who are not in travail;

for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married.”

LUKE 8:16-21

The Lord said, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light.

For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest,

nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light.

Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him for the crowd.

And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.”

But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.

ECCLESIASTES 3

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to get, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:

also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works;

for that is his portion:

for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”
‭‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.3.1-22.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS 6:11-18

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh.

But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.

Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.

Amen.

JOHN 3:13-17

The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

ECCLESIASTICS 2

“I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom;

and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

I made me great works; I builded me houses;

I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house;

also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces:

I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem:

also my wisdom remained with me.

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them,

I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly:

for what can the man do that cometh after the king?

even that which hath been already done.

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness:

and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise?

Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten.

And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun:

because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?

yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured,

and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun.

This is also vanity.

Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion.

This also is vanity and a great evil.

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night.

This is also vanity.

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.

This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:

but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God.

This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
‭‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭16‬, ‭18‬-‭26‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.2.1-26.KJV

ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 2:6-9

Brethren, among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification.

None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

MATTHEW 10:37-42, 11:1

The Lord said, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;

and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.

He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward,

and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

ECCLESIASTES 1

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh:

but the earth abideth for ever.

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven:

this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem:

yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
‭‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.1.1-18.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 2:2-10

Brethren, if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him,

while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will.

For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

It has been testified somewhere, “What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him?

Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control.

As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.

But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels,

crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death,

so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist,

in bringing many sons to glory,

should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

LUKE 10:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples, “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”

PROVERBS 31

“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb?

And what, the son of my vows?

Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

Open thy mouth for the dumb In the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil All the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; She bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: Her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, And her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; Her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her own works praise her in the gates.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.31.1-31.KJV

ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER AND TO THE CORINTHIANS 4:1-12

Brethren, having this ministry as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word,

but by the open statement of truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God.

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, ” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not driven to despair;

persecuted, but not forsaken;

struck down, but not destroyed;

always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,

so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.

MATTHEW 23:29-39

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.

Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.

You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?

Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes,

some of whom you will kill and crucify,

and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,

that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth,

from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.

Truly, I say to you, all this will come upon this generation.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you!

How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate.

For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

PROVERBS 30

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy:

The man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, Surely I am more brutish than any man,

And have not the understanding of a man.

I neither learned wisdom, Nor have the knowledge of the holy.

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?

Who hath gathered the wind in his fists?

Who hath bound the waters in a garment?

Who hath established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and what is his son’s name, If thou canst tell?

Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Two things have I required of thee;

Deny me them not before I die:

Remove far from me vanity and lies:

Give me neither poverty nor riches;

Feed me with food convenient for me:

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say,

Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal,

And take the name of my God in vain.

Accuse not a servant unto his master, Lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

There is a generation that curseth their father, And doth not bless their mother.

There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, And yet is not washed from their filthiness.

There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give.

There are three things that are never satisfied, Yea, four things say not, It is enough:

The grave; and the barren womb;

The earth that is not filled with water;

And the fire that saith not, It is enough.

The eye that mocketh at his father, And despiseth to obey his mother,

The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, And the young eagles shall eat it.

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, Yea, four which I know not:

The way of an eagle in the air;

The way of a serpent upon a rock;

The way of a ship in the midst of the sea;

And the way of a man with a maid.

Such is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.

For three things the earth is disquieted, And for four which it cannot bear:

For a servant when he reigneth;

And a fool when he is filled with meat;

For an odious woman when she is married;

And an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

There be four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:

The ants are a people not strongYet they prepare their meat in the summer;

The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks;

The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands;

The spider taketh hold with her hands, And is in kings’ palaces.

There be three things which go well, Yea, four are comely in going:

A lion which is strongest among beasts, And turneth not away for any;

A greyhound; an he goat also; And a king, against whom there is no rising up.

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood:

So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭1‬-‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.30.1-33.KJV

ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 3:4-11

Brethren, such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.

Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God,

who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant,

not in a written code but in the Spirit;

for the written code kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Now if the dispensation of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such splendor that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face because of its brightness, fading as this was, will not the dispensation of the Spirit be attended with greater splendor?

For if there was splendor in the dispensation of condemnation, the dispensation of righteousness must far exceed it in splendor.

Indeed, in this case, what once had splendor has come to have no splendor at all, because of the splendor that surpasses it.

For if what faded away came with splendor, what is permanent must have much more splendor.

MATTHEW 23:29-39

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous,

saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.

Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.

You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?

Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes,

some of whom you will kill and crucify,

and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,

that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth,

from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachiah,

whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.

Truly, I say to you, all this will come upon this generation.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you!

How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate.

For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

PROVERBS 29

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

A man that flattereth his neighbour Spreadeth a net for his feet.

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: But the wicked regardeth not to know it.

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: But wise men turn away wrath.

If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, Whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: But the just seek his soul.

A fool uttereth all his mind: But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

If a ruler hearken to lies, All his servants are wicked.

The poor and the deceitful man meet together: The LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: But the righteous shall see their fall.

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; Yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

A servant will not be corrected by words: For though he understand he will not answer.

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become his son at the length.

An angry man stirreth up strife, And a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

A man’s pride shall bring him low: But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: He heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Many seek the ruler’s favour; But every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: And he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭1‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.29.1-27.KJV

ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 2:14-17; 3:1-3

Brethren, thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph,

and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

to one a fragrance from death to death,

to the other a fragrance from life to life.

Who is sufficient for these things?

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word; but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?

Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation, to you, or from you?

You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all men;

and you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God,

not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

MATTHEW 23:23-28

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cumin,

and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith;

these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity.

You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

PROVERBS 28

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: But by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

A poor man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: But such as keep the law contend with them.

Evil men understand not judgment: But they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: But he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be abomination.

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit: But the upright shall have good things in possession.

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Happy is the man that feareth alway: But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; So is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person Shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

To have respect of persons is not good: For for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, And considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; The same is the companion of a destroyer.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: But he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: But when they perish, the righteous increase.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.28.1-28.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS 8:28-39

Brethren, we know that everything works for good with those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.

And those whom he predestined he also called;

and those whom he called he also justified;

and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn?

It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

As it is written, “For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MATTHEW 23:13-22

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation.

But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?

And you say, ‘If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

So he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; and he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it; and he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

PROVERBS 27

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; But who is able to stand before envy?

Open rebuke is better Than secret love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; Neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: For better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and are punished.

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.

A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike.

Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, And the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: So he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

As in water face answereth to face, So the heart of man to man.

Hell and destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; So is a man to his praise.

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds.

For riches are not for ever: And doth the crown endure to every generation?

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, And herbs of the mountains are gathered.

The lambs are for thy clothing, And the goats are the price of the field.

And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, And for the maintenance for thy maidens.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.27.1-27.KJV

ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY 2:1-7

Timothy, my son, first of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.

This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time.

For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

LUKE 4:16-22

At that time, Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day.

And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah.

He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

PROVERBS 26

“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honour is not seemly for a fool.

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, So the curse causeless shall not come.

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the fool’s back.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.

Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

The legs of the lame are not equal: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honour to a fool.

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

The great God that formed all things Both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

As a dog returneth to his vomit, So a fool returneth to his folly.

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.

As the door turneth upon his hinges, So doth the slothful upon his bed.

The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; It grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, And saith, Am not I in sport?

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: So where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Burning lips and a wicked heart Are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, And layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: For there are seven abominations in his heart.

Whose hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: And he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.26.1-28.KJV

Your Grace Transforms the Universe, Part Three

By Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

Distinguishing between Evil and Good

The human world today tends to accept the disease and change its name, in its
quest to embrace the sick.

Orthodox Christianity distinguishes between sickness and the patient, between wickedness and the wicked, between the sin and the
sinner.

It is called upon to liberate the wicked man from his wickedness and to free
the sinner from his sin.

It is aware that evil lies not in the matter itself but, rather in one’s attitude towards this matter; it lies in the will of man.

Accepting the disease with the patient makes the patient worse. Compassion is for the fallen person, notfor the fall itself. In order to cure patients from their illness, we must identify the illness and name it.

Orthodox Christian theology unleashes the energies that can transform this world
back into what it was made to be.

Orthodox theology must be the inspiration for
movements of love, peace, service, non-discrimination, alleviating injustice, and
caring for the environment—not influenced by movements of a merely human
nature.

Christ came to save the world, to establish the earth as a heaven, not to establish
a system limited to the parameters of mere earthly life.

The misery of the world, rich and poor alike—spiritual and material misery, which
is constantly being exacerbated—is only a sign that Christians have not been sufficiently transfigured by the Holy Spirit, so that the world might be transfigured by them.

Olivier Clement says, “If some people become prayer—that is, pure prayer that transcends all measures of the criteria of this world—then they transform the universe by their mere presence, by their mere existence.”

Church and Joy

There is another thing that the Church should be aware of: the desired joy, the joy
of life in Christ.

Christianity began by declaring joy: “I announce to you a great joy,
that today a Savior has been born to you and he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Christianity, since its inception, was a declaration of the only possible joy on earth.

Christianity announced a new, all-encompassing joy, turning the end into a
beginning, death into life.

It is not possible to understand Christianity without proclaiming this joy. And, since the Church is joy—only joy—it has triumphed in the world.

But let us remember that every time it loses this joy, it will inevitably lose the world and will lose its testimony in it. Every time its joy becomes a worldly jorather than the fruit of the Holy Spirit, it spoils its flavor and loses its taste, which the world needs but is unaware of; then the Church becomes null and void.

Is the Church aware today of the following words of Fr. Alexander Schmemann,
which are a contemporary echo of Christ’s words?

“The Church is in the world but
not of the world, because only by not being of the world can it reveal and manifest
the ‘world to come,’ the beyond” (For the Life of the World).”

Only Christianity can restore this world to come—the lost world, yet at the same time the desired one.

An extended pause for reflection is required here, because a comprehensive
change of prevailing notions is required.

Comfort or Life?

How can we restore the realm of the Heavenly Kingdom—where “there is no
sorrow, death, or sighing”—while we are affected by a debilitating secularism that
strips our Christianity of its substantial mystical quality and turns it into a mere
sector or domain among several sectors or domains of man’s needs, even if we call
it a “spiritual sector”?

Freedom from the influence of contemporary secularism is one of the most important priorities of the Church in today’s world. This is the spirit that has prevailed in the world, starting from the formerly Christian world and spreading from it to all countries.

Contemporary secularism seeks human comfort, while true Christianity seeks
human life.

Contemporary secularism reconciles people with death and presents it as a natural end to a normal life, whereas Christianity is not a reconciliation with death but a revelation of death, and it is able to reveal death because it is a revelation of life.

Christ is this life. “Only if Christ is Life,” quoting Father Alexander Schmemann, “is death what Christianity proclaims it to be, namely, the enemy to be destroyed, and not a ‘mystery’ to be explained” (For the Life of the World).

Church Expatriation

The Church is a divine institution that comes from above and is directed upwards.

Its message is to raise the world to where and how it originally was.

The Church, while caring for the world, tends to come down to its measure. Many times, it overlooks, with good intentions, the fact that it has become the world’s size. When, as it deals with human beings, it forgets that they are fallen, then it abandons its most sacred message—that is, salvation.

Today, the spirit of world secularism poses a threat to the Church. The secular
achievements are undoubtedly attractive.

Father Giovanni Martini described his
Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council, with all its positive aspects, with
prophetic words. He said, “The post-Council Church lost its mystical face, and it’ll
became the Church of permanent dialogue, organizations, consultations,
conferences, councils, committees, academies, parties, blocs of influence on public
opinion, jobs, structures and reconstruction, social experiments, and statistics.

Thus, the church became more than ever, the human church, that is, an entity without an identity.”

To trust that life is truly with and in Christ is not a new requirement, but let us trust
that Christ alone is sufficient for the world to have life, as we really believe.

Then our sole trust in money, science, and technology becomes invalid; and they, in turn,
become no more than servants of the message of Christ.

We should not forget that, according to the expression of Saint Paul the Apostle, we
as Christians must be “as unknown, yet well-known; as dying, yet behold we live; as
punished, yet not put to death; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet
making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things” (2 Cor. 6:9–10).

Our world talks a lot about God. God is often the subject of dissection and analysis,
an idea, an ideology; and consequently, the face of God is absent—God the Life,
the Father, God who cares for His people and carries them on eagles’ wings.

Isn’t the Bible currently being taught as a book of literature or culture in many
theological schools?

Aren’t there many theological books that present Christianity as an intellectual philosophy that only certain intellectuals are aware of?

Saint Sophrony Sakharov talks about this subject, saying, “The long-standing experience
of scientific theology has convincingly demonstrated that a person can obtain a
thorough understanding of scientific theology without having a living faith, that is,
in his or her ignorance of God.”

Do we live what we have spoken of—that the universe manifests Christ through us
or via our mediation—without restoring our fallen passions to their original
position?

How do we restore the world to God if we do not restore our souls to Him first?

The Orthodox Church persistently asks for repentance. It realizes that repentance
is a change of mind that leads to awakening.

To repent means to remain vigilant.

The awakened person is the one who does not surrender to dreams aimlessly,
under the influence of fleeting impulses.

The awakened person is the one who has
a meaning, a direction, a goal. He knows where he is and where he is going.

To be alert is to be present where we are. We live in the reality of the present. We
do not become nostalgic for the past, and we do not get distracted and disturbed
by desires for the future.

It is what Paul Evdokimov says: “The present hour in which you live, the person you meet here and now, and the task you are doing at this moment are the most important issues in your life.”

This permanent repentance inevitably leads to both purification of the soul and
purification at the bodily level, simultaneously.

The Orthodox Church emphasizes
the spiritual effectiveness of bodily ascetic practices because it looks at Creation in
its entirety and at the same time asks to restore it in its entirety to the Kingdom
from which it had fallen.

The Last Offering

When Christians present the world to God after its liberation from the effects of
the fall, they present themselves along with it, realizing the presence of God in
matter and beyond all matter.

They do not accept the fallen world on its own terms because they know that our relationship with God’s Creation has been distorted by
sin and we will not rediscover its fundamental sacred character until our hearts are
purified.

When we are cleansed, our hearts are filled with the love of God, rather than with
overflow of emotions that are subject to changing influences.

At that point, we understand the words of Father Zosima in the novel The Brothers Karamazov, when he was questioned about resorting to force or to humble love, especially in the face of sin. He advises, “Do not resort except to this love, this love that subjugates the entire world.

Humanity that is filled with love is a marvelous force, unlike any other
force.”

This teaching was originally printed for the 56th biennial Archdiocese Convention in July of 2023

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 9:1-7

BRETHREN, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.

For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place.

Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies,

having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold,

which contained a golden urn holding the manna,

and Aaron’s rod that budded,

and the tables of the covenant;

above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.

Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties;

but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.

LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28

At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful.

Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!”

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

PROVERBS 25

“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: But the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Take away the dross from the silver, And there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men:

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince Whom thine eyes have seen.

Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; And discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, And thine infamy turn not away.

A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him: For he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift Is like clouds and wind without rain.

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; Lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, So is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the LORD shall reward thee.

The north wind driveth away rain: So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

A righteous man falling down before the wicked Is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

It is not good to eat much honey: So for men to search their own glory is not glory.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.25.2-28.KJV

ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 1:12-20

Brethren, our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.

For we write you nothing but what you can read and understand; I hope you will understand fully, as you have understood in part, that you can be proud of us as we can be of you, on the day of the Lord Jesus.

Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a double favor;

I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea.

Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this?

Do I make my plans like a worldly man, ready to say Yes and No at once?

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in him it is always Yes.

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.

I’m That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God.

MATTHEW 22:23-33

At that time, Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came to Jesus;

and they asked him a question,

saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.’

Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother.

So too the second and third, down to the seventh.

After them all, the woman died.

In the resurrection, therefore, to which of the seven will she be wife? For they all had her.”

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

PROVERBS 24

“Be not thou envious against evil men, Neither desire to be with them.

For their heart studieth destruction, And their lips talk of mischief.

Through wisdom is an house builded; And by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: And in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate.

He that deviseth to do evil Shall be called a mischievous person.

The thought of foolishness is sin: And the scorner is an abomination to men.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small.

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, And those that are ready to be slain;

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it?

And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?

And shall not he render to every man according to his works?

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; And the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: When thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, And thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Spoil not his resting place:

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: But the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him.

Fret not thyself because of evil men, Neither be thou envious at the wicked;

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The candle of the wicked shall be put out.

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: And meddle not with them that are given to change:

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; And who knoweth the ruin of them both?

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.

Every man shall kiss his lips That giveth a right answer.

Prepare thy work without, And make it fit for thyself in the field; And afterwards build thine house.

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; And deceive not with thy lips.

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

I went by the field of the slothful, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, And nettles had covered the face thereof, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; And thy want as an armed man.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.24.1-34.KJV

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 13:25-33

IN THOSE DAYS, as John was finishing his course, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.

No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.”

Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him.

Though they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed.

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.

But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus.

MARK 6:14-30

At that time, Herod the King heard about the fame of Jesus, for his name had become known.

He said, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.”

But others said, “It is Elijah.”

And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” \

But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her.

For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.

But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe.

When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly.

But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee.

For when Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.”

And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”

And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.”

And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.

And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head.

He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.

When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.

PROVERBS 22

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold.

The rich and poor meet together: The LORD is the maker of them all.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: But the simple pass on, and are punished.

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, and honour, and life.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: He that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: And the rod of his anger shall fail.

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; Yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

He that loveth pureness of heart, For the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, And he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

I’m The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, And he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

Have not I written to thee excellent things In counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;

That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, And get a snare to thy soul.

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts.

If thou hast nothing to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.22.1-29.KJV

ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 16:4-12

Brethren, if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia,

and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter,

so that you may speed me on my journey, wherever I go.

For I do not want to see you now just in passing;

I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

But I will stay in Ephesos until Pentecost,

N. for a wide door for effective work has opened to me,

and there are many adversaries.

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.

So let no one despise him.

Speed him on his way in peace, that he may return to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren.

As for our brother Apollos, I strongly urge him to visit you with the other brethren,

but it was not at all his will to come now.

He will come when he has the opportunity.

MATTHEW 21:28-32

The Lord said this parable, “A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he repented and went.

And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir, ‘ but did not go.

Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.”

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him,

but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him

and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.”

PROVERBS 21

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: But the LORD pondereth the hearts.

To do justice and judgment Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

An high look, and a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But of every one that is hasty only to want.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; Because they refuse to do judgment.

The way of man is froward and strange: But as for the pure, his work is right.

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, Than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: But God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: And a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

It is joy to the just to do judgment: But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the transgressor for the upright.

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and an angry woman.

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man spendeth it up.

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, Who dealeth in proud wrath.

The desire of the slothful killeth him; For his hands refuse to labour.

He coveteth greedily all the day long: But the righteous giveth and spareth not.

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

A false witness shall perish: But the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

A wicked man hardeneth his face: But as for the upright, he directeth his way.

There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against the LORD.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: But safety is of the LORD.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.21.1-31.KJV

ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 15:29-38

Brethren, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead?

If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?

Why am I in peril every hour?

I protest, brethren, by my pride in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!

What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesos?

If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Come to your right mind, and sin no more.

For some have no knowledge of God.

I say this to your shame.

But some one will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?”

You foolish man! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.

And what you sow is not the body which is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or some other grain.

But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.

MATTHEW 21:23-27

At that time, when Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things.

The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?”

And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven, ‘ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

But if we say, ‘From men, ‘ we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.”

So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”

And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

PROVERBS 20

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: Whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: But every fool will be meddling.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; Therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out.

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: But a faithful man who can find?

The just man walketh in his integrity: His children are blessed after him.

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

Divers weights, and divers measures, Both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

Even a child is known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, The LORD hath made even both of them.

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: And take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Every purpose is established by counsel: And with good advice make war.

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; But wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; And a false balance is not good.

Man’s goings are of the LORD; How can a man then understand his own way?

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, And after vows to make enquiry.

A wise king scattereth the wicked, And bringeth the wheel over them.

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, Searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Mercy and truth preserve the king: And his throne is upholden by mercy.

The glory of young men is their strength: And the beauty of old men is the grey head.

The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: So do stripes the inward parts of the belly.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.20.1-30.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 10:32-38

Brethren, recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

For you had compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

“For yet a little while, and the coming one shall come and shall not tarry; but my righteous one shall live by faith.”

MATTHEW 21:18-22

At that time, as Jesus was returning to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside he went to it, and found nothing on it but leaves only.

And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!”

And the fig tree withered at once.

When the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree,

but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, ‘

it will be done.

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

PROVERB 19

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

The foolishness of man perverteth his way: And his heart fretteth against the LORD.

Wealth maketh many friends; But the poor is separated from his neighbour.

A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him?

He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good.

A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Delight is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favour is as dew upon the grass.

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: And a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; But he that despiseth his ways shall die.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; And that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Chasten thy son while there is hope, And let not thy soul spare for his crying.

A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: For if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

There are many devices in a man’s heart; Nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

The desire of a man is his kindness: And a poor man is better than a liar.

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: And he that hath it shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil.

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction That causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: And the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

Judgments are prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools.”
‭‭

Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.19.1-29.KJV

ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 3:9-17

Brethren, we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it.

Let each man take care how he builds upon it.

For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each man’s work will become manifest;

for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire,

and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.

If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him.

For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.

MATTHEW 14:22-34

At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them.

And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!”

And they cried out for fear.

But immediately he spoke to them, saying “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.”

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased.

And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

PROVERBS 18

“Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh And intermeddleth with all wisdom.

A fool hath no delight in understanding, But that his heart may discover itself.

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, And with ignominy reproach.

The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, To overthrow the righteous in judgment.

A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for strokes.

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

He also that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as an high wall in his own conceit.

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, And before honour is humility.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a wounded spirit who can bear?

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; And with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favour of the LORD.

The poor useth intreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
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Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.18.1-24.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS 14:6-9

Brethren, he who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.

He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God;

while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord, and gives thanks to God.

None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

MATTHEW 15:32-39

At that time, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd,

because they have been with me now three days,

and have nothing to eat;

and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?”

And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”

And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

And sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

PROVERBS 17

“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: But the LORD trieth the hearts.

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince.

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

A reproof entereth more into a wise man Than an hundred stripes into a fool.

An evil man seeketh only rebellion: Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, Even they both are abomination to the LORD.

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, Seeing he hath no heart to it?

A friend loveth at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: And the father of a fool hath no joy.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom To pervert the ways of judgment.

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.

Also to punish the just is not good, Nor to strike princes for equity.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
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Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.17.1-28.KJV

ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11

Brethren, have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

but emptied himself,

taking the form of a servant,

being born in the likeness of men.

And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28

At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with much serving;

and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful.

Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!”

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

PROVERBS 16

“The preparations of the heart in man, And the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Commit thy works unto the LORD, And thy thoughts shall be established.

The LORD hath made all things for himself: Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Better is a little with righteousness Than great revenues without right.

A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps.

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: His mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: All the weights of the bag are his work.

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: For the throne is established by righteousness.

Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.

The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: But a wise man will pacify it.

In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: But the instruction of fools is folly.

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

He that laboureth laboureth for himself; For his mouth craveth it of him.

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: And in his lips there is as a burning fire.

A froward man soweth strife: And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And leadeth him into the way that is not good.

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: Moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, If it be found in the way of righteousness.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
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Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭33‬ ‭KJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.16.1-33.KJV