for if in bitterness of soul some should curse you, their Creator will hear their prayer.

Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might.

Let your soul love intelligent slaves; do not withhold from them their freedom.

With all your soul fear the Lord and revere his priests.

The eyes of the greedy are not satisfied with their share; greedy injustice withers the soul.

If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire, it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.

Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul.

Happy are souls that fear the Lord!

He lifts up the soul and makes the eyes sparkle; he gives health and life and blessing.

Phinehas

Phinehas son of Eleazar ranks third in glory for being zealous in the fear of the Lord and standing firm, when the people turned away, in the noble courage of his soul, and he made atonement for Israel.

Epilogue

Two nations my soul detests, and the third is not even a nation:

the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king. My soul drew near to death, and my life was on the brink of Hades below.

My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict. I spread out my hands to the heavens and lamented my ignorance of her.

I directed my soul to her, and in purity I found her. With her I gained understanding from the first; therefore I will never be forsaken.

“Put your neck under her yoke, and let your souls receive instruction; it is to be found close by.”

May your soul rejoice in God’s mercy, and may you never be ashamed to praise him.