The Prologue

Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the others that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom. Now, those who read the scriptures must not only themselves understand them, but must also as lovers of learning be able through the spoken and written word to help the outsiders. So my grandfather Jesus, who had devoted himself especially to the reading of the Law and the Prophets and the other books of our ancestors, and had acquired considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, so that by becoming familiar also with his book those who love learning might make even greater progress in living according to the law. You are invited therefore to read it with goodwill and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite our diligent labor in translating, we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same sense when translated into another language. Not only this book, but even the Law itself, the Prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little when read in the original. When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some diligence and labor to the translation of this book. During that time I have applied my skill day and night to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning and are disposed to live according to the law.

In Praise of Wisdom

All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever.

Concerning Rulers

A work is praised for the skill of the artisan; so a people’s leader is proved wise by his words.

Do not praise individuals for their good looks, or loathe anyone because of appearance alone.

Praise is unseemly on the lips of a sinner, for it has not been sent from the Lord.

For in wisdom must praise be uttered, and the Lord will make it prosper.

And they will praise his holy name,

Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades in place of the living who give thanks?

From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased; those who are alive and well sing the Lord’s praises.

Every intelligent person knows wisdom, and praises the one who finds her.

When an intelligent person hears a wise saying, he praises it and adds to it; when a fool hears it, he laughs at it and throws it behind his back.

The Praise of Wisdom

Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.

Those Who Are Worthy of Praise

I take pleasure in three things, and they are beautiful in the sight of God and of mortals: agreement among brothers and sisters, friendship among neighbors, and a wife and a husband who live in harmony.

Do not praise anyone before he speaks, for this is the way people are tested.

Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders among his people.

Caution in Taking Advice

All counselors praise the counsel they give, but some give counsel in their own interest.

If a person is wise to his own advantage, the fruits of his good sense will be praiseworthy.

A wise person will have praise heaped upon him, and all who see him will call him happy.

Many will praise his understanding; it will never be blotted out. His memory will not disappear, and his name will live through all generations.

Nations will speak of his wisdom, and the congregation will proclaim his praise.

A Hymn of Praise to God

I have more on my mind to express; I am full like the full moon.

Send out fragrance like incense, and put forth blossoms like a lily. Scatter the fragrance, and sing a hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all his works.

Ascribe majesty to his name and give thanks to him with praise, with songs on your lips, and with harps; this is what you shall say in thanksgiving:

So now sing praise with all your heart and voice, and bless the name of the Lord.

Look at the rainbow, and praise him who made it; it is exceedingly beautiful in its brightness.

Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works.