“The vigilant life.” Proverbs 4:10–23
10
Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
11
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
13
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
14
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15
Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
16
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17
For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
20
My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21
Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
22
For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
23
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us, Your humble servants, Your holy inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our LORD, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen