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 them must not only themselves understand them but must also as lovers of learning be able through both speaking and writing 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 we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly, despite our diligent labor in translating. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same effect when translated into another language. Not only this book, but even the Law itself, the Prophets, and the rest of the books differ not a little when read in the original. In the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes, when I came to Egypt and stayed for some time, I found a copy affording 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 wish to gain learning and are preparing to live according to the law.

In Praise of Wisdom

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

upon all the living according to his gift; he lavished her upon those who love him.

Those who fear the Lord will not disobey his words, and those who love him will keep his ways.

Those who fear the Lord will seek his favor, and those who love him will be filled with his law.

Humility

My child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.

A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish in it.

Be a father to orphans, and be like a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.

Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her from early morning will be filled with joy.

Those who serve her minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her.

If you love to listen you will accept discipline, and if you pay attention you will become wise.

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

With all your might love your Maker, and do not neglect his ministers.

Do not hesitate to visit the sick, because for such deeds you will be loved.

Every creature loves its like and every person a neighbor.

The Lord hates all abominations; such things are not loved by those who fear him.

A prostitute is regarded as spittle and a married woman as a tower of death to her lovers.

Love your friends and keep faith with them, but if you betray their secrets, do not follow after them.

Concerning Children

He who loves his son will whip him often, so that he may rejoice at the way he turns out.

Those who love gold will not be justified; those who pursue money will be led astray by it.

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching heat and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.

Wine and music gladden the heart, but the love of friends is better than either.

In all that he did he gave thanks to the Holy One, the Most High, proclaiming his glory; he sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker.

Your fame reached to far-off islands, and you were loved for your peaceful reign.

But the Lord will never give up his mercy or cause any of his words to perish; he will never blot out the descendants of his chosen one or destroy the family line of him who loved him. So he gave a remnant to Jacob and to David a root from his own family.

Happy are those who saw you and were adorned in love! For we also shall surely live.