November 4, 2022 :: Evening Prayer
Friday after the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Here beginneth the 21st chapter of Sirach.
My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
All iniquity is as a two-edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.
An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.
The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.
He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.
The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.
They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
A foolish man's foot is soon in his neighbour's house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.
A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.
It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.
The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.
Here endeth the first lesson.
Here beginneth the 4th chapter of Colossians.
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.