Whereas many great teachings have been given to us through the law and the prophets and the others that followed them, on account of which we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom; and since it is necessary not only that the readers themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love learning should be able to help the outsiders by both speaking and writing, my grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the reading of the law and the prophets and the other books of our fathers, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love learning should make even greater progress in living according to the law. You are urged therefore to read with good will and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite out 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 work, but even the law itself, the prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little as originally expressed. When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Eu-er′getes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some pains and labor to the translation of the following book, using in that period of time great watchfulness and skill in order to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning, being prepared in character to live according to the law.

In Praise of Wisdom

All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with him for ever.

The Lord himself created wisdom; he saw her and apportioned her, he poured her out upon all his works.

Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.

The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life.

With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end; on the day of his death he will be blessed.

To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.

To fear the Lord is wisdom’s full measure; she satisfies men with her fruits;

The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish.

To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life.

If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply it for you.

For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and he delights in fidelity and meekness.

Do not disobey the fear of the Lord; do not approach him with a divided mind.

Do not exalt yourself lest you fall, and thus bring dishonor upon yourself. The Lord will reveal your secrets and cast you down in the midst of the congregation, because you did not come in the fear of the Lord, and your heart was full of deceit.

Duties toward God

My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.

You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall.

You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail;

you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy.

Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who ever persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon him and was overlooked?

For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction.

Woe to you who have lost your endurance! What will you do when the Lord punishes you?

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 approval, and those who love him will be filled with the law.

Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and will humble themselves before him.

Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men; for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy.

For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.