
WISDOM COMES FROM GOD{/}

{1}1{/}

{I}1_{/}All wisdom comes 
from the Lord and endures 
with him forever.
{I}2_{/}The grains of 
sand, the drops of rain 
and the days of eternity, 
who can count them? 
{I}3_{/}The height of 
heaven, the extent of the 
earth and the depths of 
the abyss, who can 
measure them?
{I}4_{/}Wisdom was 
created before all things 
and the prudent intellect 
before the beginning of 
time.
{I}6_{/}To whom was the 
source of Wisdom 
revealed? Who has known 
her secret designs?
{I}8_{/}One alone is wise 
and greatly to be feared. 
The One who is seated 
upon his throne.
{I}9_{/}The Lord himself 
created Wisdom. He looked 
on her and knew her 
value. He poured her out 
over all his works; 
{I}10_{/}upon all mortal 
beings, in accordance 
with his goodness. He 
lavished her on those who 
love him.
{I}11_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is our glory and 
honor, it is joy and a 
triumphant crown.
{I}12_{/}The fear of the 
Lord gladdens the heart; 
it gives joy, gaiety and 
long life. 
{I}13_{/}For the one who 
fears the Lord all will 
go well at the end of his 
life, and he will be 
blessed on the day of his 
death.
{I}14_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is the beginning of 
wisdom; he put wisdom 
into the hearts of his 
faithful ones before 
their birth.
{I}15_{/}Founded from 
eternity she has made her 
home among men and she 
will remain faithful to 
their descendants.
{I}16_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is the fullness of 
wisdom. It will fill you 
with its fruits.
{I}17_{/}It will fill 
your whole house with 
desirable things.
It will fill your houses 
with its riches.
{I}18_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is the crown of 
wisdom.
{I}19_{/}Wherever it is, 
peace and good health 
flourish; knowledge and 
prudence rain down. 
Wisdom exalts those who 
possess her.
{I}20_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is the root of 
wisdom. Its branches are 
long life.
{I}22_{/}Unjust violence 
cannot be justified, it 
will destroy itself by 
its own excesses.
{I}23_{/}The patient man 
will hold out until the 
appointed time; but 
finally joy will be given 
to him.
{I}24_{/}He will guard 
his words until the 
appointed time and in the 
end many will recognize 
his worth.
{I}25_{/}Proverbs rich in 
content are among 
wisdom's treasures but 
the sinner does not want 
to know about God.
{I}26_{/}Do you desire 
wisdom? Keep the 
commandments and the Lord 
will give her to you 
without measure; 
{I}27_{/}for fear of the 
Lord is wisdom and 
learning; what pleases 
him is faithfulness and 
gentleness.
{I}28_{/}Do not put aside 
fear of the Lord; 
approach him with a 
sincere heart. 
{I}29_{/}Do not be a 
hypocrite before men; 
watch well your words.
{I}30_{/}Do not praise 
yourself lest you fall 
and bring dishonor on 
yourself. For the Lord 
will reveal your secrets 
and throw you to one side 
in the midst of the 
assembly, if you have no 
fear of the Lord and your 
heart is full of deceit.
FEAR GOD IN TIME OF 
TRIALS{/}

{1}2{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, if you 
have decided to serve the 
Lord, prepare yourself 
for trials. {I}2_{/}Keep 
your heart upright and 
remain resolute; do not 
be upset in the time of 
adversity.
{I}3_{/}Hold fast to the 
Lord, do not separate 
yourself from him so that 
you may be successful to 
the end of your days. 
{I}4_{/}Accept all that 
happens to you, be 
patient when you are 
humbled, {I}5_{/}for as 
gold is tested in the 
fire, so those acceptable 
to God are tested in the 
crucible of humiliation. 
{I}6_{/}Have confidence 
in him and he will take 
care of you; follow the 
right path and hope in 
him.
{I}7_{/}You who fear the 
Lord, wait for his mercy 
and do not turn away lest 
you fall. {I}8_{/}You who 
fear the Lord, trust him 
and you will not lose 
your reward. {I}9_{/}You 
who fear the Lord, hope 
for all good things; hope 
for eternal joy and 
mercy.
{I}10_{/}Remember what 
happened to your 
ancestors. Who has ever 
trusted in the Lord and 
been confounded? Who has 
persevered in fear of the 
Lord and been abandoned? 
Who has called upon him 
and not been heard?
{I}11_{/}For the Lord is 
compassion and loving-
kindness; he forgives our 
sins and saves us in time 
of distress.
{I}12_{/}Woe to faint 
hearts and weak hands, to 
the sinner who wavers 
between two paths.
{I}13_{/}Woe to the 
fainthearted who lack 
confidence, because of 
this they will not be 
protected. {I}14_{/}Woe 
to you who have lost 
patience! What will you 
do when the Lord calls 
you to account?
{I}15_{/}Those who fear 
the Lord do not disobey 
his commandments; those 
who love him faithfully 
keep his laws.
{I}16_{/}Those who fear 
the Lord seek to please 
him; those who love him 
are filled with his law.
{I}17_{/}Those who fear 
the Lord keep their 
hearts ready and humble 
themselves in his 
presence saying, 
{I}18_{/}"Let us fall 
into the hands of the 
Lord and not into the 
hands of men, for great 
as his power is his 
mercy."
DUTIES TOWARDS PARENTS{/}

{1}3{/}

{I}1_{/}My children, it 
is your father who 
speaks, listen to me and 
follow my advice and so 
be saved. {I}2_{/}For the 
Lord established that 
children should respect 
their father; he 
confirmed the right of 
the mother over her sons.
{I}3_{/}Whoever honors 
his father atones for his 
sins; {I}4_{/}he who 
gives glory to his mother 
prepares a treasure for 
himself. 
{I}5_{/}Whoever honors 
his father will receive 
joy from his own children 
and will be heard when he 
prays.
{I}6_{/}Whoever glorifies 
his father will have a 
long life. Whoever obeys 
the Lord gives comfort to 
his mother. {I}7_{/}He 
serves those who brought 
him to birth as he would 
serve the Lord.
{I}8_{/}Honor your father 
in word and deed so that 
his blessing may come on 
you. {I}9_{/}For a 
father's blessing secures 
the future of his 
children, but a mother's 
curse destroys them at 
their roots.
{I}10_{/}Do not rejoice 
at the humiliation of 
your father because his 
dishonor is no glory for 
you. {I}11_{/}For a man's 
glory comes from his 
father's reputation; a 
mother who is not 
respected is a disgrace 
to her children.
{I}12_{/}My son, take 
care of your father in 
his old age, do not cause 
him sorrow as long as he 
lives.
{I}13_{/}Even if he has 
lost his mind, have 
patience; do not be 
disrespectful to him 
while you are in full 
health.
{I}14_{/}For kindness 
done to one's father will 
never be forgotten, it 
will serve as reparation 
for your sins. 
{I}15_{/}In the day of 
adversity the Lord will 
remember it to your 
advantage; for just as 
ice melts in the heat, so 
will your sins melt away. 
{I}16_{/}The man who 
abandons his father is 
like a blasphemer; he who 
annoys his mother is 
cursed by the Lord.
HUMILITY{/}

{I}17_{/}My son, conduct 
your affairs with 
discretion and you will 
be loved by those who are 
acceptable to God.
{I}18_{/}The greater you 
are, the more you should 
humble yourself and thus 
you will find favor with 
God. {I}20_{/}For great 
is the power of the Lord 
and it is the humble who 
give him glory.
{I}21_{/}Do not seek what 
is beyond your powers nor 
search into what is 
beyond your ability. 
{I}22_{/}Reflect on what 
you are commanded to do; 
there is no need for you 
to know things that are 
hidden.
{I}23_{/}Do not tire 
yourself in resolving 
useless questions since 
the knowledge you already 
have goes beyond human 
understanding.
{I}24_{/}For many have 
been led astray by their 
personal theories and 
false pretension has 
undermined reason.
{I}26_{/}The obstinate 
man will eventually fall 
into evil, and he who 
loves danger will perish 
therein. {I}27_{/}The 
obstinate man will be 
weighed down with 
sufferings; the sinner 
heaps up sin upon sin.
{I}28_{/}For the 
sufferings of the proud 
man there is no remedy, 
the roots of evil are 
implanted in him. 
{I}29_{/}The wise man 
reflects on proverbs. 
What the wise man desires 
is an attentive ear.
Almsgiving
{I}30_{/}As water 
extinguishes the burning 
flames, almsgiving 
obtains pardon for sins. 
{I}31_{/}The man who 
responds by doing good 
prepares for the future, 
at the moment of his 
downfall he will find 
support.
{1}4{/}

{I}1_{/}My son, do not 
deny the poor his food 
and do not make the man 
who looks at you with 
pleading eyes wait. 
{I}2_{/}Do not sadden the 
hungry person nor annoy 
anyone who is in need. 
{I}3_{/}Do not exasperate 
an angry man nor withhold 
alms from the beggar.
{I}4_{/}Do not drive away 
the beggar who is weighed 
down with afflictions, 
nor turn away your face 
from the poor; {I}5_{/}do 
not snub the needy nor 
give anyone a reason to 
curse you.
{I}6_{/}If someone curses 
you in the bitterness of 
his heart, the Creator 
will hear his prayer.
{I}7_{/}Make yourself 
acceptable to the 
community; bow your head 
before the one in 
authority.
{I}8_{/}Listen to the 
poor man and reply to him 
with kind words and with 
peace. {I}9_{/}Deliver 
the oppressed from the 
hands of the oppressor. 
Do not be weak when you 
administer justice. 
{I}10_{/}Be like a father 
towards orphans and like 
a husband towards their 
mothers. Then you will be 
like a son of the Most 
High and he will love you 
more than your own 
mother.
{I}11_{/}Wisdom brings up 
her children and takes 
care of those who look 
for her. {I}12_{/}Whoever 
loves her loves life. 
Those who rise early in 
the morning in search of 
her will be filled with 
joy.
{I}13_{/}Whoever 
possesses her will have 
glory and wherever he 
goes blessings will 
follow. {I}14_{/}Those 
who serve her are 
ministers of the Holy 
One; those who love her 
are loved of the Lord. 
{I}15_{/}He who listens 
to her will have good 
judgment. He who obeys 
her will rest in safety.
{I}16_{/}Whoever trusts 
in her will possess her 
and his children after 
him will inherit her.
{I}17_{/}For in the 
beginning she will lead 
him by rough paths, 
causing him to fear and 
be terrified; she will 
plague him with her 
discipline until she can 
count on him; and she 
will put him to the test 
by her demands.
{I}18_{/}Then she will 
lead him on a level path, 
give him joy and reveal 
her secrets to him.
{I}19_{/}But if he 
wanders from the path, 
she will abandon him and 
allow him to be lost.
{I}20_{/}In every 
situation weigh the pros 
and cons and avoid evil. 
A wrong kind of shame 
could harm you. 
{I}21_{/}There is a shame 
which leads to sin and 
there is a shame which 
merits praise and 
respect. {I}22_{/}Do not 
act against your better 
self to win favor from 
others. Do not let this 
kind of shame lead you 
into sin.
{I}23_{/}Do not remain 
silent when it is 
necessary to speak. Do 
not, through pride, hide 
your wisdom. {I}24_{/}It 
is in speech that wisdom 
is recognized and 
learning in the spoken 
discourse.
{I}25_{/}Do not 
contradict the truth; 
rather confess your lack 
of knowledge.
{I}26_{/}Have no shame in 
confessing your sins, do 
not swim against the 
tide.
{I}27_{/}Do not cringe 
before a foolish man; do 
not be influenced by the 
powerful.
{I}28_{/}Fight for the 
truth till death and the 
Lord will fight for you.
{I}29_{/}Do not be daring 
in your speech, but lazy 
and negligent in works.
{I}30_{/}Do not be like a 
lion in your household, 
finding fault with your 
servants and oppressing 
those under you.
{I}31_{/}Do not open your 
hand to receive and keep 
it closed when you should 
give.
DO NOT RELY ON WEALTH{/}

{1}5{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not rely on 
your wealth. Do not say, 
"I am self-sufficient." 
{I}2_{/}Do not let 
yourself be carried away 
by greed and violence; 
they would make you their 
slave.
{I}3_{/}Do not say, "Who 
can stop me?" For the 
Lord has power to punish 
you. {I}4_{/}Do not say, 
"I have sinned and 
nothing has happened!" 
For the Lord bides his 
time.
{I}5_{/}Do not be so sure 
of pardon when you are 
heaping sin upon sin. 
{I}6_{/}Do not say, "His 
compassion is great! He 
will forgive the vast 
number of my sins!" For 
with him is mercy but 
also anger; his fury will 
be poured out on sinners.
{I}7_{/}Do not delay your 
return to the Lord, do 
not put it off from day 
to day. For suddenly the 
anger of the Lord will 
blaze forth and you will 
perish on the day of 
reckoning.
{I}8_{/}Do not rely on 
riches wrongfully 
acquired for they will be 
of no use to you on the 
day of wrath.
{I}9_{/}Do not be swayed 
by every wind nor try to 
walk by every path, as 
does the sinner who is 
accustomed to lie. 
{I}10_{/}Remain firm in 
your convictions, and be 
consistent in your 
speech. {I}11_{/}Be ready 
to listen, and know how 
to wait before giving 
your reply.
{I}12_{/}If you know what 
you are saying, answer 
your neighbor; if not, it 
is better to say nothing. 
{I}13_{/}Your words can 
bring you honor and 
dishonor; a man's tongue 
brings about his 
downfall.
{I}14_{/}Do not let 
yourself be known as a 
scandalmonger or a 
deceiver. For if shame is 
the lot of the robber, 
severe condemnation is 
the lot of the liar.
{I}15_{/}Do not sin in 
big things nor in little 
things, and from being a 
friend do not turn into 
an enemy. An evil 
reputation brings in its 
train shame and disgrace; 
such is the lot of the 
sinner who is accustomed 
to lying.
{1}6{/}

{I}1_{/}Just as the 
wicked man inherits 
confusion and shame so 
will the sinner 
accustomed to lying. 
{I}2_{/}Do not give 
yourself over to your 
passions; they will turn 
against you and, like a 
bull, tear you to pieces. 
{I}3_{/}They will devour 
the foliage and destroy 
the fruit, leaving you 
like a dry stump. 
{I}4_{/}An evil passion 
will destroy the one who 
is held in its power; it 
will make him the 
laughingstock of his 
enemies.
FRIENDS{/}

{I}5_{/}A gentle word 
makes many friends, an 
agreeable tongue calls 
forth gracious replies. 
{I}6_{/}Let your friends 
be many; but your 
counselors, one in a 
thousand!
{I}7_{/}If you would gain 
a friend, begin by 
testing him and do not 
put your confidence in 
him too quickly. 
{I}8_{/}For there is the 
friend who is such when 
it suits him but he does 
not remain faithful in 
the time of your 
adversity. 
{I}9_{/}There is the 
friend who becomes an 
enemy and, to your 
confusion, makes known 
why you quarreled. 
{I}10_{/}There is the 
friend who shares your 
table but does not remain 
faithful when things go 
against you. {I}11_{/}In 
times of prosperity he 
will be like your shadow 
and he will speak freely 
to those of your 
household. {I}12_{/}But 
if you are humiliated, he 
will turn against you and 
will avoid meeting you.
{I}13_{/}Distance 
yourself from your 
enemies and be careful 
about your friends.
{I}14_{/}The faithful 
friend is a secure 
refuge; whoever has found 
one has found a treasure. 
{I}15_{/}A faithful 
friend is beyond all 
price; hold him as 
priceless. {I}16_{/}A 
faithful friend is a 
life-saving remedy, and 
those who fear the Lord 
will find one. 
{I}17_{/}Whoever fears 
the Lord will make true 
friends for, as a man is, 
such will his friend be.
{I}18_{/}My son, dedicate 
yourself to learning from 
your youth, and you will 
grow in wisdom until old 
age. {I}19_{/}Work at it 
like the worker and the 
sower, cultivate wisdom 
and wait for her 
excellent fruits. For in 
cultivating her you will 
have some trouble, but 
soon you will enjoy her 
fruits.
{I}20_{/}Wisdom is very 
severe with the ignorant. 
A foolish man will not 
persevere. {I}21_{/}She 
will be like a heavy 
weight or a difficult 
test which he will 
quickly throw away.
{I}22_{/}For wisdom 
brings her own honor, she 
does not reveal herself 
to everyone. 
{I}23_{/}Listen, my son, 
and receive my teaching, 
do not reject my counsel. 
{I}24_{/}Put her 
constraints on your feet 
and her yoke on your 
neck. {I}25_{/}Put your 
shoulder to the burden 
and bear her yoke; do not 
rebel against her chains. 
{I}26_{/}Come to her with 
all your soul and with 
all your strength observe 
her ways. {I}27_{/}Pursue 
her, search for her, she 
will make herself known 
to you; when you have 
her, do not let her go.
{I}28_{/}For, in the end, 
you will find in her your 
rest and she will become 
your joy. {I}29_{/}Her 
constraints will 
strengthen your steps and 
her collar will be like a 
glorious garment. 
{I}30_{/}Her yoke will 
become an ornament of 
gold and her chains like 
precious girdles of 
hyacinth blue. 
{I}31_{/}You will adorn 
yourself as with a 
garment of glory and you 
will put her on like a 
crown of jubilation.
{I}32_{/}If you wish, my 
son, you will be learned; 
if you pay attention, you 
will become clever. 
{I}33_{/}If you love to 
listen, you will learn; 
if you really pay 
attention, you will 
become wise.
{I}34_{/}Be on your guard 
in the assembly of the 
elders and if there is a 
wise man there, attach 
yourself to him. 
{I}35_{/}Be willing to 
listen to all discourses 
on divine things, and do 
not let the sayings of 
the wise escape you.
{I}36_{/}If you see an 
intelligent man, follow 
him from daybreak and let 
your feet beat a pathway 
to his door.
{I}37_{/}Meditate on the 
precepts of the Lord and 
apply yourself 
unceasingly to his 
commandments. He will 
strengthen your heart and 
the wisdom you desire 
will be given to you.
{1}7{/}

{I}1_{/}Do no evil and 
evil will not take hold 
of you.
{I}2_{/}Keep away from 
wrongdoing and it will 
leave you alone.
{I}3_{/}Son, do not sow 
in the furrows of 
injustice for fear of 
reaping its harvest 
sevenfold.
{I}4_{/}Do not demand 
authority from the Lord 
nor from the king a place 
of honor.
{I}5_{/}Do not make 
yourself out to be a just 
man before the Lord nor a 
wise man in front of the 
king.
{I}6_{/}Do not seek a 
position of 
responsibility lest you 
not be powerful enough to 
root out injustice and, 
overawed by a powerful 
man, you lose your 
integrity.
{I}7_{/}Do not offend the 
city's assembly; do not 
grovel before the people.
{I}8_{/}Do not commit the 
same sin twice; once is 
enough to bring 
punishment upon you.
{I}9_{/}Do not say, "When 
I sacrifice to God, the 
Most High will take into 
account the number of 
gifts and he will accept 
them." {I}10_{/}Pray with 
a strong spirit and do 
not neglect to give alms.
{I}11_{/}Do not despise a 
man when he is downcast, 
for there is one who 
casts down and who raises 
up.
{I}12_{/}Do not lie about 
your brother; likewise, 
do not lie about your 
friend.
{I}13_{/}Do not allow 
yourself any kind of lie 
for nothing good will 
come of it.
{I}14_{/}Do not gossip in 
front of the council of 
the elders, nor keep on 
repeating your words in 
prayer.
{I}15_{/}Do not hate hard 
work nor the tilling of 
the land as instituted by 
the Most High.
{I}16_{/}Do not join the 
company of sinners, 
remember that the wrath 
of God will not be 
delayed.
{I}17_{/}Remain humble, 
because the godless are 
punished with fire and 
worms.
{I}18_{/}Do not exchange 
your friend for money, 
nor a real brother for 
the gold of Ophir.
{I}19_{/}Do not separate 
yourself from a wise and 
good woman, because a 
gracious wife is worth 
more than gold.
{I}20_{/}Do not maltreat 
the servant who works 
honestly, nor the laborer 
who works diligently. 
{I}21_{/}Love the 
intelligent slave as 
yourself and do not 
deprive him of his 
freedom.
{I}22_{/}Have you any 
cattle? Take care of 
them. If they are 
profitable to you, keep 
them.
{I}23_{/}Have you 
children? Educate them 
and teach them to obey 
from their childhood.
{I}24_{/}Have you any 
daughters? Guard their 
virginity and do not be 
indulgent towards them.
{I}25_{/}If you marry off 
your daughter you will 
have accomplished 
something of importance, 
but give her to an 
intelligent man.
{I}26_{/}Have you a wife 
who is according to your 
liking? Do not send her 
away. As for the one you 
dislike, do not trust 
her.
{I}27_{/}Honor your 
father with your whole 
heart and do not be 
forgetful of the 
sufferings of your 
mother.
{I}28_{/}Remember that 
they gave you birth. How 
can you repay them for 
what they have done for 
you?
{I}29_{/}Reverence the 
Lord with all your being 
and respect the priests.
{I}30_{/}Love your 
Creator with all your 
strength and do not 
abandon his ministers.
{I}31_{/}Fear the Lord 
and honor the priest. 
Give him the share which 
has been commanded: the 
first harvest, the sin-
offering, the shoulders 
of the victims, the holy 
offerings and the first 
fruits of sacred things.
{I}32_{/}Stretch out your 
hand to the poor and you 
will receive a blessing 
from the Lord.
{I}33_{/}May your gifts 
benefit the living and do 
not forget the dead.
{I}34{/}Do not turn away 
from those who weep, and 
grieve with those who are 
in sorrow.
{I}35_{/}Do not neglect 
to visit the sick because 
it is for such acts that 
you will be loved.
{I}36_{/}In all your 
actions remember your 
last end and you will 
never sin.
PRUDENCE AND COMMON 
SENSE{/}

{1}8{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not argue with 
a powerful man lest you 
fall into his hands.
{I}2_{/}Do not quarrel 
with a rich man lest he 
throw his weight into the 
scale against you.
{I}3_{/}Do not argue with 
a talkative person; do 
not heap up wood on his 
fire.
{I}4_{/}Do not joke with 
an ignorant man for fear 
your ancestors will be 
insulted.
{I}5_{/}Do not offend the 
man who repents of his 
sins, remember that we 
are all deserving 
punishment.
{I}6_{/}Do not despise a 
man in his old age, 
because we ourselves will 
grow old.
{I}7_{/}Do not rejoice at 
the death of any man, 
remember that we shall 
all die.
{I}8_{/}Do not neglect 
the teaching of the wise, 
apply yourself well to 
their precepts. Through 
them you will learn how 
to live and how to serve 
the great.
{I}9_{/}Do not set aside 
the teachings of the 
elders for they also 
learnt it from their 
fathers; they will open 
up your understanding and 
enable you to reply at 
the right moment.
{I}10_{/}Do nothing to 
arouse the sinner for 
fear of being burned by 
the flames of his fire.
{I}11_{/}Do not annoy the 
angry man for fear that 
he will twist your words 
to his own advantage.
{I}12_{/}Do not lend to 
those more powerful than 
yourself; if you have 
lent anything, consider 
it as lost.
{I}13_{/}Do not stand 
surety beyond your means; 
if you have done so, be 
ready to pay.
{I}14_{/}Do not go to law 
with a judge because, due 
to his position, judgment 
will be given in his 
favor.
{I}15_{/}Do not travel 
with an adventurer lest 
he impose himself on you 
and, as he does whatever 
he pleases, you both 
perish through his folly.
{I}16_{/}Do not quarrel 
with a bad-tempered 
person nor get involved 
with him in a lonely 
place; blood counts for 
little in his eyes and, 
when he sees you 
defenseless, he will 
attack you.
{I}17_{/}Do not take 
counsel with a fool 
because he will not be 
able to remain silent 
about what you have said.
{I}18_{/}Do nothing which 
should be secret before a 
stranger because you do 
not know how he will 
react.
{I}19_{/}Do not reveal 
your secrets to any man, 
he will not be grateful 
to you for doing so.
MAN WITH WOMEN{/}

{1}9{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not be jealous 
of your own wife; do not 
give her reason to 
disgrace you.
{I}2_{/}Do not put 
yourself into the power 
of any woman to the point 
where she can dominate 
you.
{I}3_{/}Do not go near a 
woman of ill-repute for 
fear of falling into her 
nets.
{I}4_{/}Do not dally with 
a singing girl for fear 
of being caught in her 
snare.
{I}5_{/}Do not fix your 
gaze on a young girl for 
fear of being involved in 
her condemnation.
{I}6_{/}Do not deliver 
yourself into the power 
of prostitutes lest you 
lose your inheritance.
{I}7_{/}Do not glance 
about you in the streets 
of the town; do not 
loiter in lonely places.
{I}8_{/}Turn your eyes 
away from a good-looking 
woman and do not stare at 
a beautiful foreigner. 
For the beauty of a woman 
has caused many to fall; 
in her presence love 
blazes up like a fire.
{I}9_{/}Never sit near a 
married woman or drink 
wine with her, for fear 
that your feelings 
towards her be roused and 
that in your passion you 
slide towards your 
downfall.
{I}10_{/}Do not abandon 
an old friend, for a new 
one has not the same 
value.
New wine, new friend; let 
them mature, then you 
will enjoy them with 
pleasure.
{I}11_{/}Do not envy the 
success of the sinner, 
you do not know what his 
end will be.
{I}12_{/}Do not take 
pleasure in what pleases 
the godless, remember 
that they will be 
punished before they die.
{I}13_{/}Keep well away 
from the man who has 
power to kill and you 
will not experience the 
fear of death. But if you 
go with him avoid all 
offense for fear that he 
will deprive you of life: 
realize that you are 
passing through 
deathtraps and that you 
are walking on top of the 
wall.
{I}14_{/}As far as you 
can, be sociable and take 
counsel with learned men.
{I}15_{/}Love to speak 
with intelligent men and 
let all your discourses 
be about the law of the 
Most High.
{I}16_{/}Let just men be 
your companions at table; 
take pride in your fear 
of the Lord.
{I}17_{/}An artisan is 
judged by his work and a 
leader of the community, 
by the wisdom of his 
words.
{I}18_{/}A talkative man 
is dreaded in his town 
and the gossip makes 
himself disliked.
{1}10{/}

{I}1_{/}The wise leader 
will teach his people; 
the government of the 
intelligent man will be 
well-ordered.
{I}2_{/}As the leader is, 
so will his ministers be; 
as the leader of the city 
is, so will be its 
inhabitants.
{I}3_{/}A king without 
wisdom will ruin his 
people; a city will 
prosper through the 
wisdom of its rulers.
{I}4_{/}The government of 
the earth is in the hands 
of the Lord; in his own 
time he will raise up the 
right leader.
{I}5_{/}The success of 
every man is in the hands 
of the Lord and he 
clothes the rulers with 
his glory.
PRIDE{/}

{I}6_{/}Do not store up 
resentment against your 
neighbor, no matter what 
his offense; do nothing 
in a fit of anger.
{I}7_{/}Pride is odious 
to both God and man; 
injustice is abhorrent to 
both of them.
{I}8_{/}Sovereignty 
passes from one nation to 
another because of 
injustice, violence and 
wealth.
{I}9_{/}How can there be 
such pride in someone who 
is nothing but dust and 
ashes? Even while he is 
living, man's bowels are 
full of rottenness.
{I}10_{/}Look: the 
illness lasts while the 
doctor makes light of it; 
and one who is king today 
will die tomorrow.
{I}11_{/}Once a man is 
dead, grubs, insects and 
worms are his lot.
{I}12_{/}The beginning of 
man's pride is to 
separate himself from the 
Lord and to rebel against 
his Creator.
{I}13_{/}The beginning of 
pride is sin. Whoever 
perseveres in sinning 
opens the floodgates to 
everything that is evil. 
For this the Lord has 
inflicted dire punishment 
on sinners; he has 
reduced them to nothing.
{I}14_{/}The Lord has 
overturned the thrones of 
princes and set up the 
meek in their place.
{I}15_{/}The Lord has 
torn up the proud by the 
roots and has planted the 
humble in their place.
{I}16_{/}The Lord has 
overturned the land of 
the pagans and totally 
destroyed them.
{I}17_{/}He has 
devastated several of 
them, destroyed them and 
removed all remembrance 
of them from the face of 
the earth.
{I}18_{/}Pride was not 
created for man nor 
violent anger, for those 
born of woman.
{I}19_{/}Which race is 
worthy of honor? The 
human race.
Which race is worthy of 
honor? Those who fear the 
Lord.
Which race is despicable? 
The human race.
Which race is despicable? 
Those who break the 
commandments.
{I}20_{/}The leader is 
worthy of respect in the 
midst of his brethren, 
but he has respect for 
those who fear the Lord. 
{I}22_{/}Whether they be 
rich, honored or poor, 
their pride should be in 
fearing the Lord.
{I}23_{/}It is not right 
to despise the poor man 
who keeps the law; it is 
not fitting to honor the 
sinful man.
{I}24_{/}The leader, the 
judge, and the powerful 
man are worthy of honor, 
but no one is greater 
than the man who fears 
the Lord.
{I}25_{/}A prudent slave 
will have free men as 
servants, and the 
sensible man will not 
complain.
{I}26_{/}Do not feel 
proud when you have only 
accomplished your work; 
do not put on airs when 
times are difficult for 
you.
{I}27_{/}Of greater worth 
is the man who works and 
lives in abundance than 
the one who shows off and 
yet has nothing to live 
on.
{I}28_{/}My son, have a 
modest appreciation of 
yourself, estimate 
yourself at your true 
value.
{I}29_{/}Who will defend 
the man who makes an 
attempt on his own life? 
Who will respect the man 
who despises himself?
{I}30_{/}The poor man 
will be honored for his 
wisdom and the rich man, 
for his riches.
{I}31_{/}Honored when 
poor - how much more 
honored when rich! 
Dishonored when rich - 
how much more dishonored 
when poor!
{1}11{/}

{I}1_{/}The poor man who 
is wise carries his head 
high and sits among the 
great.
{I}2_{/}Do not praise a 
man because he is 
handsome and do not hold 
a man in contempt because 
of his appearance.
{I}3_{/}The bee is one of 
the smallest winged 
insects but she excels in 
the exquisite sweetness 
of her honey.
{I}4_{/}Do not be proud 
because of the clothes 
you wear; do not be proud 
when people honor you. Do 
you know what the Lord is 
preparing in a mysterious 
way? {I}5_{/}Many tyrants 
have been overthrown and 
someone unknown has 
received the crown.
{I}6_{/}Many powerful men 
have been completely 
disgraced and famous men 
handed over into the 
power of others.
{I}7_{/}Do not reprehend 
anyone unless you have 
first been fully 
informed, consider the 
case first and thereafter 
make your reproach.
{I}8_{/}Do not reply 
before you have listened; 
do not interrupt the one 
who is speaking.
{I}9_{/}Do not interfere 
in what is not your 
business; do not meddle 
in the disputes of 
sinners.
{I}10_{/}My son, do not 
undertake too many 
activities. If you keep 
adding to them, you will 
not be without reproach; 
if you run after them, 
you will not succeed nor 
will you ever be free, 
although you try to 
escape.
PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD{/}

{I}11_{/}There are those 
who exhaust themselves, 
tire themselves out and 
become anxious, yet in 
the end they are only the 
poorer.
{I}12_{/}There are those 
who are weak, needing 
support, lacking goods 
and in great poverty, yet 
the eyes of the Lord look 
on them with favor. The 
Lord will redress their 
humiliation. {I}13_{/}He 
will raise their heads 
and many people will 
marvel on this account.
{I}14_{/}Good and evil, 
life and death, poverty 
and riches, all come from 
the Lord.
{I}17_{/}The just can 
count on the generosity 
of the Lord and his 
goodness will guide them 
forever.
{I}18_{/}A man may become 
rich through being 
careful and miserly and 
this is his reward. 
{I}19_{/}The day on which 
he thinks, "I have earned 
my rest, now I can live 
on my possessions," he 
does not know how long he 
is going to live. He will 
have to die and leave his 
goods to others.
{I}20_{/}Remain faithful 
to your duty, give your 
life to it and grow old 
in your work.
{I}21_{/}Do not be 
disconcerted at the 
success of sinners but 
have confidence in God 
and persevere in your own 
efforts. It is easy for 
the Lord in an instant to 
make the poor man rich.
{I}22_{/}The blessing of 
the Lord is the just 
man's reward and quickly, 
in an instant, his 
benediction will bear 
fruit.
{I}23_{/}Do not say, 
"What do I need? What 
more could I have or 
desire?"
{I}24_{/}Do not say, "I 
have all that is 
necessary, what 
misfortune can harm me 
now?"
{I}25_{/}On good days, 
one forgets the bad; and 
on bad days one forgets 
the good.
{I}26_{/}Even when the 
end draws near, it is 
easy for the Lord to 
reward a man according to 
the way he has lived.
{I}27_{/}The hour of 
adversity makes one 
forget pleasure; at the 
end of a man's life his 
deeds will be revealed.
{I}28_{/}Do not consider 
anyone as blessed before 
his death, for only then 
he will be known.
{I}29_{/}Do not invite 
just anybody into your 
house for many are clever 
deceivers.
{I}30_{/}Like a partridge 
in its cage acting as a 
decoy, so is the heart of 
the proud man; like a spy 
he watches out for your 
weaknesses.
{I}31_{/}He changes good 
things into evil, he lays 
his traps and criticizes 
even the best things.
{I}32_{/}Just as a spark 
sets coals on fire, the 
wicked man prepares his 
snares in order to draw 
blood.
{I}33_{/}Beware of the 
wicked man for he is 
planning evil. He might 
dishonor you forever.
{I}34_{/}If you take a 
stranger into your house, 
he will cause you 
trouble; he will estrange 
you from your household.
{1}12{/}

{I}1_{/}If you do good, 
know to whom you are 
doing it and you will 
receive thanks for your 
kindness.
{I}2_{/}Do good to the 
godly man and you will 
receive a reward, if not 
from the man himself, at 
least from the Most High.
{I}3_{/}Blessings are not 
for those who persist in 
evildoing, nor for those 
who refuse to show 
compassion.
{I}4_{/}Give to the godly 
man, do not help the 
sinner; {I}5_{/}do good 
to the humble, do not 
give to the ungodly; deny 
him bread, do not give it 
to him lest he eventually 
dominate you. He will 
repay you with a double 
evil for all the good 
that you have done for 
him.
{I}6_{/}For the Most High 
himself detests sinners 
and carries out his 
vengeance on the ungodly.
{I}7_{/}Give to the good 
man but do not help the 
sinner.
{I}8_{/}A friend does not 
become an enemy in the 
time of prosperity, nor 
does an enemy remain 
hidden in the time of 
adversity.
{I}9_{/}When a man is 
doing well, his enemies 
are sad; when he is 
suffering misfortune, 
even his friends hasten 
to abandon him.
{I}10_{/}Never trust an 
enemy, for his malice is 
like bronze covered in 
rust.
{I}11_{/}Even if he 
should act as a humble 
man and walk with head 
bowed down, watch 
yourself and be on your 
guard against him. Behave 
towards him as a man who 
polishes a bronze mirror. 
Know that the rust will 
not remain until the end.
{I}12_{/}Do not place him 
near you lest he 
overthrow you and take 
your place. Do not make 
him sit on your right 
hand lest he covet your 
seat. Let it not be that 
in the end you understand 
my words and regret not 
having listened to my 
advice.
{I}13_{/}Who will have 
pity on the snake-charmer 
bitten by a snake or on 
those who go near wild 
beasts? {I}14_{/}It is 
the same for the man who 
joins company with a 
sinner and finds himself 
involved in his 
wrongdoing. {I}15_{/}The 
sinner will remain 
quietly with you for an 
hour but when you are 
distracted he will throw 
away his mask.
{I}16_{/}The enemy is all 
sweetness in his speech, 
but in his heart he is 
planning to throw you in 
the ditch. The enemy has 
tears in his eyes but, if 
he finds an opportunity, 
he cannot have enough of 
your blood.
{I}17_{/}If misfortune 
comes to you, you will 
find him there before 
you; pretending to help 
you, he will be scheming 
to get rid of you. 
{I}18_{/}He will wag his 
head in mockery and clap 
his hands, he will 
whisper unceasingly and 
will show his true face.
BEWARE OF THE GREAT{/}

{1}13{/}

{I}1_{/}He who touches 
tar will  be soiled; he 
who associates with an 
arrogant man will become 
like him.
{I}2_{/}Do not carry too 
heavy a load; do not make 
friends with someone 
stronger and richer than 
you. Why put the earthen 
pot near the iron one? 
One will bang the other 
and break it.
{I}3_{/}The rich man does 
wrong and is unconcerned; 
the poor man is insulted 
and apologizes.
{I}4_{/}The rich man uses 
you as long as you are 
useful to him; when you 
have nothing left he 
deserts you.
{I}5_{/}He will stay with 
you as long as you have 
something; he will drain 
you without a second 
thought.
{I}6_{/}If he really 
needs you he will deceive 
you, smile at you and 
raise your hopes; he will 
speak smooth words and 
say, "What would you 
like?"
{I}7_{/}He will show his 
gratitude by entertaining 
you until he has taken 
all you possess, and he 
will make fun of you in 
the end. Afterwards, when 
he sees you, he will have 
nothing to do with you, 
shaking his head when he 
meets you.
{I}8_{/}Take care not to 
be deceived and 
humiliated through 
stupidity.
{I}9_{/}When an 
influential person 
invites you, delay and he 
will call you all the 
more.
{I}10_{/}Do not go so far 
forward that you are 
pushed aside or so far 
back that you are 
overlooked.
{I}11_{/}Do not try to 
talk to him as an equal 
or trust his many words. 
With all this verbiage he 
is only trying to test 
you and, under pretense 
of kindness, he is 
weighing you up.
{I}12_{/}He will repeat 
your words without pity 
and will not spare you 
either blows or chains. 
{I}13_{/}Be wary and take 
great care because you 
are walking with your own 
stumbling block.
{I}15_{/}All that lives 
loves its own kind and 
each person, his own 
neighbor.
{I}16_{/}Every animal 
relates to its own 
species and man to his 
own kind.
{I}17_{/}What has the 
wolf in common with the 
lamb? It is the same with 
the sinner and the 
virtuous man. 
{I}18_{/}What kind of 
peace can exist between 
the hyena and the dog? 
What peace between the 
rich man and the poor 
man?
{I}19_{/}Wild donkeys are 
the prey of desert lions; 
so, also, are the poor 
the prey of the rich.
{I}20_{/}The proud man 
hates humility; so, also, 
the poor man is 
detestable to the rich.
{I}21_{/}When the rich 
man stumbles, his friends 
support him, but when the 
poor man falls, his 
friends desert him.
{I}22_{/}When the rich 
man gets into trouble, 
there are many who come 
to his rescue; if he 
speaks nonsense, they 
congratulate him. When 
the poor man makes a 
mistake, they criticize 
him; if he speaks 
sensibly, they pay no 
attention. {I}23_{/}When 
the rich man speaks, all 
are silent and they 
praise his words to the 
skies. The poor man 
speaks and people ask, 
"Who is this?" And if he 
stumbles, they push him 
down.
{I}24_{/}Wealth is good 
if there is no sin in it 
and poverty is evil when 
it is the reward for 
godlessness.
ENJOY LIFE WITHOUT BEING 
GREEDY{/}

{I}25_{/}Man's heart is 
reflected in his face, 
for better or for worse.
{I}26_{/}Does he show a 
happy face? All is going 
well to him. Has he found 
words of wisdom? He has 
reflected on suffering.
{1}14{/}

{I}1_{/}Happy the one who 
has not sinned in speech 
or who feels no remorse 
for his faults.
{I}2_{/}Happy is he whose 
own conscience does not 
condemn him and who has 
not fallen from his 
ideals.
{I}3_{/}Wealth does not 
befit the small-minded 
man; why would you give 
the greedy man riches? 
{I}4_{/}He who hoards, 
depriving himself, is 
hoarding for others: 
others will enjoy his 
goods.
{I}5_{/}He who is mean to 
himself, with whom will 
he be good? He does not 
even enjoy his own 
riches.
{I}6_{/}There is nothing 
worse than one who is 
mean to himself, this is 
how his evil repays him.
{I}7_{/}If he does good, 
he does it without 
realizing it but, in the 
end, his evil will be 
revealed.
{I}8_{/}Evil is the 
greedy-eyed man who does 
not pay attention to 
persons and looks down on 
people.
{I}9_{/}The ambitious man 
is not content with what 
he has, wicked injustice 
shrivels up the heart.
{I}10_{/}The envious eye 
covets the food of 
others; there will be 
misery and famine at his 
table.
{I}11_{/}My son, use well 
whatever you have and 
give worthy offerings to 
the Lord.
{I}12_{/}Remember that 
death will not delay and 
your time has not yet 
been revealed to you.
{I}13_{/}Be good to your 
friend before you die and 
be generous to him in any 
way you can.
{I}14_{/}Enjoy happiness 
and do not reject lawful 
pleasure when it comes 
your way.
{I}15_{/}Will you not 
have to leave to another 
the fruit of your works? 
The fruit of your labor, 
will it not be shared out 
by lot?
{I}16_{/}Give, take and 
treat yourself well, for 
in the netherworld there 
are no pleasures to seek.
{I}17_{/}All living 
things grow old like 
clothing. This is the 
eternal law: "You will 
die."
{I}18_{/}Like green 
leaves on a bushy tree: 
some sprout and others 
fall off, so are the 
generations of flesh and 
blood: one dies and 
another is born. 
{I}19_{/}All finite 
things pass away and 
their maker with them.
HAPPY THE ONE SEEKING 
WISDOM{/}

{I}20_{/}Happy the one 
who is intent on wisdom 
and who can reply to 
those who question him; 
{I}21_{/}who makes his 
own the ways of wisdom 
and meditates on her 
secrets; {I}22_{/}who 
pursues her like a 
hunter, lies in wait by 
her paths, {I}23_{/}peeps 
in at her windows and 
listens at her doors; 
{I}24_{/}he sets up camp 
near her house, fixing 
his stakes in her walls.
{I}25_{/}He places his 
tent in the hands of 
wisdom; he stays in a 
happy lodging. 
{I}26_{/}He places his 
sons beneath her 
protection and finds 
shelter beneath her 
branches. {I}27_{/}He is 
shaded by her from the 
heat and makes his camp 
in her glory.
{1}15{/}

{I}1_{/}Such is the one 
who fears  the Lord; 
whoever embraces the Law 
will obtain wisdom. 
{I}2_{/}She will come out 
to meet him like a mother 
and greet him like a 
virgin bride; {I}3_{/}she 
will feed him with the 
bread of understanding 
and give him the water of 
wisdom to drink. 
{I}4_{/}He will rely on 
her and will not waver; 
he will lean on her and 
will not be let down.
{I}5_{/}Wisdom will make 
him greater than his 
friends and he will be 
able to speak in the full 
assembly. {I}6_{/}He will 
be crowned with happiness 
and joy. He will inherit 
an everlasting name.
{I}7_{/}The fool will 
never possess her, and 
sinners will never set 
eyes on her. {I}8_{/}She 
is far away from pride, 
and liars will know 
nothing of her.
{I}9_{/}Praise is not 
fitting on the lips of 
sinners since it does not 
come from the Lord. 
{I}10_{/}Praise must come 
from the wise man; so the 
Lord himself inspires it.
GOD MADE US FREE AND 
RESPONSIBLE{/}

{I}11_{/}Do not say, "It 
was God who made me sin." 
God does not cause what 
he hates.
{I}12_{/}Do not say, "He 
made me do wrong," for he 
has nothing to do with a 
sinner. {I}13_{/}The Lord 
hates all evil and those 
who fear him hate it as 
well.
{I}14_{/}When he created 
man in the beginning, he 
left him free to make his 
own decisions. 
{I}15_{/}If you wish, you 
can keep the commandments 
and it is in your power 
to remain faithful.
{I}16_{/}He has set fire 
and water before you; you 
stretch out your hand to 
whichever you prefer.
{I}17_{/}Life and death 
are set before man: 
whichever a man prefers 
will be given him.
{I}18_{/}How magnificent 
is the wisdom of the 
Lord! He is powerful and 
all-seeing.
{I}19_{/}His eyes are on 
those who fear him. He 
knows all the works of 
man.
{I}20_{/}He has commanded 
no one to be godless and 
has given no one 
permission to sin.
NO HAPPINESS FOR THE 
WICKED{/}

{1}16{/}

{I}1_{/}Do not long for a 
brood of worthless 
children, and take no joy 
in godless sons.
{I}2_{/}However many you 
have, do not rejoice in 
them if they have no fear 
of God.
{I}3_{/}Do not depend on 
their having a long life, 
or trust in their number, 
because one is better 
than a thousand and their 
death is preferable to 
their being godless.
{I}4_{/}A city can arise 
from one man who is 
prudent. Yet, even though 
the wicked become a great 
tribe, they will be 
destroyed. {I}5_{/}I have 
seen such things with my 
own eyes and my ears have 
heard of still greater 
things.
{I}6_{/}Fire has come 
upon the meeting of 
sinners and God's wrath 
is kindled against 
rebellious people.
{I}7_{/}God did not 
pardon the leaders of old 
who rebelled in their 
pride of strength.
{I}8_{/}He did not spare 
the city where Lot lived; 
he detested their pride.
{I}9_{/}He showed no pity 
on the people doomed to 
destruction; they were 
annihilated for their 
sins.
{I}10_{/}In the same way, 
he dealt with the six 
hundred thousand men who, 
in the hardness of their 
hearts, had revolted.
{I}11_{/}Had there been 
only one stubborn man it 
would have been amazing 
if he had escaped 
unpunished, since mercy 
and anger belong to the 
Lord who is powerful both 
in forgiveness and in 
punishment.
{I}12_{/}His justice is 
as great as his mercy and 
he judges men by their 
deeds.
{I}13_{/}Just as the 
sinner will not escape 
with his booty, the 
patience of the upright 
man will not go 
unrewarded.
{I}14_{/}God will reward 
every act of mercy; each 
person will be treated 
according to his deeds.
{I}17_{/}Do not say, "I 
will hide from the Lord; 
who will remember me up 
there? I will not be 
recognized in the midst 
of so many. What am I in 
the immensity of 
creation?"
{I}18_{/}Look: the sky 
and the heavens above the 
sky, the sea and the 
earth tremble when he 
comes.
{I}19_{/}The mountains, 
together with the 
foundations of the earth, 
are filled with dread 
before his sight.
{I}20_{/}But nobody 
thinks of such things: 
who is interested in the 
ways of God?
{I}21_{/}Most of his 
works go unnoticed and 
man does not see where 
the storm originates.
{I}22_{/}"Who tells us of 
the interventions of God? 
Who expects them? The 
Covenant is far away."
{I}23_{/}Such are the 
thoughts of the man of 
little sense, the 
foolish, dissolute man 
who loves his illusions.
{I}24_{/}Listen to me, my 
sons; acquire knowledge 
and apply your heart to 
my words. {I}25_{/}I will 
expound the teaching step 
by step and impart 
knowledge carefully.
GOD THE CREATOR{/}

{I}26_{/}God created his 
works from the beginning 
and, as he made them, he 
assigned to each its 
place. {I}27_{/}He 
arranged them for all 
time, their beginning and 
their unfolding. They do 
not hunger or grow weary 
and they never cease from 
their duties. 
{I}28_{/}Not one has 
collided with its 
neighbor; they will never 
disobey his commands.
{I}29_{/}Afterwards, the 
Lord looked down on the 
earth and filled it with 
his riches. {I}30_{/}He 
covered its surface with 
all kinds of living 
things which must return 
to it.
{1}17{/}

{I}1_{/}The Lord created 
man  from the earth and 
let him return to earth. 
{I}2_{/}He settled a 
fixed time for them and a 
set number of days, 
giving them power over 
everything on earth. 
{I}3_{/}He endowed them 
with a strength like his 
own, making them in his 
own image.
{I}4_{/}He put the fear 
of men in all living 
things, thus they had 
mastery over the animals 
and birds. {I}6_{/}He 
endowed them with 
knowledge; he gave them 
tongue and eyes, ears and 
a mind to think with.
{I}7_{/}He filled them 
with wisdom and 
knowledge; he taught them 
good and evil. {I}8_{/}He 
put his own eye in their 
hearts so they would 
understand the greatness 
of his works. 
{I}10_{/}They will praise 
his holy Name and relate 
the magnificence of his 
creation.
{I}11_{/}He gave them 
revealed knowledge as 
well and handed over to 
them the Law of life. 
{I}12_{/}He established 
an everlasting covenant 
with them and let them 
know his judgments.
{I}13_{/}Human eyes saw 
the splendor of the Glory 
of God; their ears heard 
the grandeur of his 
voice. {I}14_{/}He said 
to them, "Keep yourselves 
from all wrongdoing," and 
to each of them he gave 
commands regarding his 
neighbor.
{I}15_{/}Their conduct is 
always before the Lord; 
they cannot escape his 
sight.
{I}17_{/}He has placed a 
leader over each nation, 
but Israel is the Lord's 
own portion.
{I}19_{/}Their deeds are 
as clear as the sun to 
him, he always observes 
their ways.
{I}20_{/}Their misdeeds 
cannot be hidden from 
him, all their sins are 
before the Lord.
{I}22_{/}He holds a man's 
almsgiving dear as a 
priceless signet ring; he 
cherishes a good deed 
like the apple of his 
eye.
{I}23_{/}One day he will 
rise and reward them; he 
will place their prize on 
their heads.
{I}24_{/}He allows those 
who repent to return; he 
comforts those whose 
hopes are fading.
{I}25_{/}Be converted to 
the Lord and give up your 
sins, plead with him to 
lessen your offense.
{I}26_{/}Return to the 
Almighty, turn aside from 
wrongdoing and totally 
detest evil.
{I}27_{/}For who in the 
grave will praise the 
Almighty, if the living 
do not give him glory?
{I}28_{/}The dead man is 
as if he did not exist 
and cannot give praise; 
he who has life and 
health can praise the 
Lord.
{I}29_{/}How great is the 
mercy of the Lord and his 
forgiveness for those who 
turn to him!
{I}30_{/}Man cannot have 
everything in his power 
since he is not immortal.
{I}31_{/}What is brighter 
than the sun? Yet it 
disappears. Man is no 
more than flesh and 
blood, yet he thinks of 
doing evil. 
{I}32_{/}While the sun 
surveys the stars in the 
lofty sky, all men remain 
dust and ashes.
THE GREATNESS OF GOD{/}

{1}18{/}

{I}1_{/}He who lives 
forever created all 
without exception. 
{I}2_{/}The Lord alone 
will be found righteous.
{I}4_{/}He has made no 
one powerful enough to 
proclaim his works; who 
then, will reveal his 
marvels?
{I}5_{/}Who can calculate 
the power of his majesty 
and relate his great 
goodness?
{I}6_{/}Nothing can be 
added to him or taken 
away; no one can fathom 
the wonders of the Lord.
{I}7_{/}When man thinks 
he has finished, then he 
is only beginning and 
when he stops he is 
puzzled by it all.
{I}8_{/}What is man? What 
is his purpose? What is 
the good in him and what 
the bad?
{I}9_{/}Take the length 
of his life: a hundred 
years is long. 
{I}10_{/}Like a drop of 
water from the sea, a 
grain of sand, such are 
his few years compared 
with eternity.
{I}11_{/}For this reason, 
the Lord has patience 
with them and pours out 
his mercy on them.
{I}12_{/}He sees and 
realizes how miserable 
their end is and so he 
heaps his forgiveness 
upon them.
{I}13_{/}Man's mercy is 
for his neighbor but the 
compassion of the Lord 
reaches all people; he 
rebukes, corrects, 
teaches and brings back 
his flock like a 
shepherd. {I}14_{/}He 
takes pity on those who 
accept correction and 
eagerly seek his will.
{I}15_{/}My son, do not 
mix your favors with 
unkind remarks or your 
gifts with bitter words.
{I}16_{/}Does not dew 
temper the heat? So, too, 
a kind word is much 
better than a gift.
{I}17_{/}The gift is not 
as valuable as the words 
which accompany it, but a 
generous man brings both.
{I}18_{/}The fool intends 
to please but insults, a 
grudging man's gift makes 
the eyes smart.
{I}19_{/}Find out the 
facts before you speak; 
look after yourself 
before you become ill.
{I}20_{/}Examine yourself 
before judgment comes 
and, on the day of God's 
visitation, you will be 
forgiven.
{I}21_{/}Humble yourself 
before you become ill and 
show repentance for your 
sins.
{I}22_{/}Let nothing 
prevent you from 
fulfilling your vow on 
time; do not wait until 
death to put things in 
order.
{I}23_{/}Prepare yourself 
before praying and do not 
be one of those who tempt 
the Lord.
{I}24_{/}Keep in mind the 
justice of the last days; 
God will turn his face 
from you on the day of 
vengeance.
{I}25_{/}When you 
experience abundance, 
remember the days of 
famine; when you enjoy 
riches, think of poverty 
and misery.
{I}26_{/}Time slips by 
between morning and 
evening, all things pass 
quickly before the Lord.
{I}27_{/}The prudent man 
is cautious in 
everything; when sin 
abounds he will keep away 
from wrongdoing.
{I}28_{/}Every sensible 
man recognizes wisdom and 
respects those who obtain 
her.
{I}29_{/}Those who speak 
sensibly are wise, and 
marvelous sayings flow 
from them.
{I}30_{/}Do not let your 
passions rule you and 
restrain your desires.
{I}31_{/}If you satisfy 
your lusts you will make 
yourself the 
laughingstock of your 
enemies.
{I}32_{/}Do not take 
pleasure in great luxury, 
lest you become 
impoverished by its 
expense.
{I}33_{/}Do not 
impoverish yourself by 
feasting on credit when 
you have nothing in your 
pocket.
{1}19{/}

{I}1_{/}A drunken worker 
will never be rich; he 
who is careless in small 
things will soon fall.
{I}2_{/}Wine and women 
corrupt the best of men; 
whoever frequents 
prostitutes loses all 
sense of shame. 
{I}3_{/}He will be the 
victim of grubs and worms 
and lose his life because 
of his stupidity.
WHEN TO SPEAK AND WHEN TO 
BE SILENT{/}

{I}4_{/}He who is too 
quick to trust others 
reveals a shallow mind, 
whoever sins injures 
himself.
{I}5_{/}One who revels in 
pleasure will be 
condemned, {I}6_{/}hating 
gossip will save one from 
evil.
{I}7_{/}Never repeat what 
you are told and you will 
come to no harm.
{I}8_{/}Report nothing to 
friend or foe and, unless 
silence is sinful, reveal 
it to no one. 
{I}9_{/}They will listen, 
distrust you and you will 
end up being hated.
{I}10_{/}Have you heard 
something? Let it die 
with you, remain calm; 
you will not burst with 
it.
{I}11_{/}A fool suffers 
like a woman in 
childbirth over something 
he is told. {I}12_{/}Like 
an arrow stuck in his 
thigh, such is a secret 
inside a fool.
{I}13_{/}Speak with your 
friend: perhaps he has 
done nothing and, if he 
has, he will not do it 
again.
{I}14_{/}Speak with your 
friend: perhaps he has 
not said anything and, if 
he has, he will not say 
it again. {I}15_{/}Speak 
with your friend for 
there is much slander; do 
not believe all that you 
hear. {I}16_{/}Often, 
unintentional slips are 
made; for who has never 
sinned by evil tongues? 
{I}17_{/}Speak with your 
neighbor before you heap 
accusations on him; then 
leave room for the Law of 
the Almighty.
{I}20_{/}All wisdom is in 
the fear of the Lord; in 
all wisdom is the 
fulfillment of the Law.
{I}22_{/}Knowledge of 
evil is not wisdom, and 
prudence is not found in 
the advice of sinners.
{I}23_{/}There is a 
cleverness that is 
loathsome; it belongs to 
the evildoer who lacks 
wisdom.
{I}24_{/}Better to lack 
sense and be full of the 
fear of the Lord, than to 
be clever in violating 
the Law.
{I}25_{/}There is an 
ingenious shrewdness 
which carries out 
injustice;  it is the art 
of dissimulating in order 
to do evil. {I}26_{/}One 
pretends to be grieving 
and weighed down with 
burdens but in his heart 
there is only cunning; 
{I}27_{/}he hides his 
face and pretends to be 
deaf, but as soon as you 
are distracted, he will 
take advantage of you.
{I}28_{/}One does not sin 
when the means are 
lacking; at the first 
opportunity, he will do 
wrong.
{I}29_{/}You can tell a 
man by his appearance; 
the responsible man can 
be recognized by his 
face.
{I}30_{/}A man's way of 
dressing reveals who he 
is, as does his manner of 
laughing and walking.
THE STUPID AND FOOLISH{/}

{1}20{/}

{I}1_{/}There are rebukes 
which are inopportune; 
there is the silence of a 
sensible man.
{I}2_{/}Better to rebuke 
than nurse a grudge. He 
who recognizes his fault 
diminishes its 
consequences.
{I}4_{/}Like a eunuch 
desiring to violate a 
girl, such is he who uses 
force in pretending to be 
just.
{I}5_{/}One keeps silent 
and is thought to be 
wise, the other makes 
himself hated because of 
his gossiping.
{I}6_{/}One remains 
silent because he does 
not know how to reply; 
the other keeps quiet, 
waiting for the right 
moment.
{I}7_{/}The wise man 
keeps silent until the 
right moment; the 
chatterer and fool speak 
out of turn.
{I}8_{/}He who speaks too 
much makes himself hated; 
he who wishes to impose 
himself stirs up ill 
will.
{I}9_{/}Man can turn his 
troubles to his 
advantage; a lucky chance 
can turn to loss.
{I}10_{/}There is a type 
of generosity which will 
not reward you and 
another which will repay 
you double.
{I}11_{/}One is 
humiliated for having had 
honors; another is 
humiliated, and then 
lifts up his head.
{I}12_{/}One buys much 
with little money; 
another pays seven times 
its value.
{I}13_{/}The wise man 
makes himself lovable 
through his words alone, 
while the favors of the 
fool are lost.
{I}14_{/}The fool's gift 
is not to your advantage; 
he gives with greedy 
eyes. {I}15_{/}He gives 
little but puts on a 
great outward appearance 
and exclaims for all to 
hear; he lends today and 
recovers the loan 
tomorrow; he is a 
despicable man.
{I}16_{/}The fool says, 
"I have no friends, no 
one welcomes my favors. 
{I}17_{/}Those who eat my 
bread have evil tongues." 
How often they will mock 
him, and by how many!
{I}18_{/}Better to 
stumble on the ground 
than to make a slip with 
the tongue; this is how 
easily the wicked fall.
{I}19_{/}The rough-
mannered man is like an 
indiscreet story that 
ill-mannered people tell 
out of time.
{I}20_{/}The proverb told 
by a fool will fail, 
since he does not speak 
it at an appropriate 
time.
{I}21_{/}One keeps 
himself from sin because 
he does not have the 
means to act; when he 
gets the chance, he will 
have no remorse.
{I}22_{/}One loses his 
soul out of false shame; 
he loses himself for fear 
of what a foolish man 
thinks. {I}23_{/}Out of 
false shame he wants to 
win a friend; he gets an 
enemy, in fact, for 
nothing.
{I}24_{/}Lying is a 
shameful defect in a man; 
fools are used to it.
{I}25_{/}Better to be a 
thief than a liar, yet 
both are heading for 
disaster.
{I}26_{/}Habitual lying 
is detestable; disgrace 
never leaves the liar.
{I}27_{/}The wise man's 
words advance his cause; 
the shrewd man will gain 
favor with the powerful.
{I}28_{/}He who tills the 
earth increases his 
produce; he who pleases 
the great is forgiven his 
wickedness.
{I}29_{/}Presents and 
gifts blind a wise man's 
eyes; like a muzzle they 
silence the 
conscientious.
{I}30_{/}Concealed wisdom 
and hidden treasure: what 
good are these?
{I}31_{/}The man who 
conceals his stupidity is 
better than one who 
conceals his wisdom.
{1}21{/}

{I}1_{/}Have you sinned, 
my son? Do not do it 
again and beg forgiveness 
for your past sins.
{I}2_{/}Escape from sin 
as you would from a 
snake; if you go near, it 
will bite you. Its teeth 
are like those of a lion 
and destroy human lives.
{I}3_{/}All evil is like 
a double-edged sword 
which inflicts wounds 
past remedy.
{I}4_{/}Violence and 
pride bring down the 
rich; the arrogant man's 
house will be brought 
low.
{I}5_{/}The poor man's 
prayer reaches the ears 
of the Lord and his 
judgment will not delay.
{I}6_{/}Whoever hates 
correction goes the way 
of sinners; he who fears 
the Lord turns to him in 
his heart.
{I}7_{/}The chatterer is 
known everywhere, but the 
discreet man recognizes 
his weakness.
{I}8_{/}Building a house 
with borrowed money is 
like collecting stones 
for your own tomb.
{I}9_{/}The meeting of 
sinners is like a pile of 
rope which will go up in 
fire and flames.
{I}10_{/}The path of 
sinners is well paved but 
it ends in the fiery 
abyss.
{I}11_{/}He who keeps the 
Law is in control of his 
thoughts; the fear of the 
Lord brings wisdom.
{I}12_{/}The man who is 
not clever will never be 
taught; but there is a 
cleverness which leads to 
bitterness.
{I}13_{/}The wise man's 
knowledge spreads out 
like a flood and his 
advice is like a spring.
{I}14_{/}The fool's heart 
is like a broken glass 
which cannot hold any 
teaching.
{I}15_{/}If an educated 
man hears a wise saying 
he values it and adds 
another. If the good-for-
nothing hears it he is 
annoyed and tosses it 
over his shoulder.
{I}16_{/}The fool's talk 
weighs like a load while 
the wise man's words give 
rest.
{I}17_{/}The assembly 
awaits the wise man's 
words; each one takes to 
heart whatever he says.
{I}18_{/}The fool's 
wisdom is like a house in 
ruins, the knowledge of 
the fool amounts to 
nonsense.
THE STUPID AND FOOLISH{/}

{I}19_{/}As far as the 
fool is concerned, 
instruction is no more 
than handcuffs and 
fetters. {I}20_{/}The 
idiot laughs aloud while 
the intelligent man 
merely smiles quietly.
{I}21_{/}Instruction is 
like a golden ornament to 
the shrewd man, like a 
bracelet on his right 
arm.
{I}22_{/}The fool steps 
inside the house 
immediately, the 
experienced man would not 
be so bold. {I}23_{/}The 
fool looks in through the 
door, the polite man 
remains outside. 
{I}24_{/}Listening 
outside doors reveals a 
bad upbringing, the 
upright man would be 
ashamed of doing so.
{I}25_{/}Strangers speak 
thoughtlessly of 
everything, while wise 
men's words are carefully 
weighed. {I}26_{/}The 
heart of fools is in 
their mouth, but the 
mouth of the wise is in 
their heart.
{I}27_{/}When the godless 
man curses his opponent, 
the curse descends on 
himself. {I}28_{/}The 
slanderer taints himself 
and makes himself hated 
by all around him.
{1}22{/}

{I}1_{/}The idler is like 
a dirty stone, his 
disgrace is laughed at.
{I}2_{/}The idler is like 
a heap of dung, all who 
touch it shake it off 
their hands.
{I}3_{/}Badly brought up 
sons are the shame of 
their father, and 
daughters, a humiliation.
{I}4_{/}A sensible 
daughter is a treasure to 
her husband, but the 
disgraceful one is a 
burden to her father.
{I}5_{/}A shameless 
daughter brings disgrace 
on her father as well as 
her husband; both hate 
her.
{I}6_{/}The untimely word 
is like music at a 
funeral but beating and 
correction guided by 
wisdom are never out of 
place.
{I}9_{/}Teaching a fool 
is like gluing a broken 
jar, it is easier to 
awaken a man from deep 
sleep. {I}10_{/}Reasoning 
with a fool is like 
reasoning with a drowsy 
man; in the end, he will 
ask you, "What is it all 
about?"
{I}11_{/}Weep for the 
dead man since the light 
has deserted him, weep 
for the fool because 
understanding has 
deserted him.
Cry less for the dead 
man; he has found his 
rest but the fool's life 
is worse than death.
{I}12_{/}Mourning the 
dead lasts seven days, 
but it lasts a lifetime 
for the fool and godless 
man.
{I}13_{/}Do not waste 
words on the fool or go 
with the stupid man; 
beware of him lest he 
bring you trouble and his 
contact leave you 
contaminated. Stay away 
from him if you want rest 
and do not want to be 
worn out by his requests.
{I}14_{/}What is heavier 
than lead? What is its 
name but "Fool"?
{I}15_{/}Sand, salt and a 
load of iron are easier 
to bear than a fool.
{I}16_{/}The wooden joint 
in a building is not 
dislodged by an 
earthquake; a determined 
heart, after careful 
reflection, will not be 
moved when crises come.
{I}17_{/}A decision based 
on serious reflection 
stands like plaster on a 
firm wall.
{I}18_{/}Stakes set on a 
height do not resist the 
wind; the fool's heart, 
frightened by his own 
imaginings, cannot 
withstand fear.
{I}19_{/}Striking the eye 
brings tears; if you 
strike the heart, 
lucidity will come forth.
{I}20_{/}Whoever throws 
stones at birds scares 
them off; reproach a 
friend and you will kill 
the friendship.
{I}21_{/}If you have 
drawn your sword against 
a friend, do not despair, 
it can be put back; 
{I}22_{/}if you have 
spoken harshly to a 
friend, do not fear, 
reconciliation is 
possible; but in the 
event of insult, 
contempt, betrayal of a 
confidence or treacherous 
blow, any friend would 
desert you.
{I}23_{/}Win your 
neighbor's confidence 
when he is poor so that 
you may enjoy his goods 
with him when he grows 
rich; be loyal in his 
hour of trouble and you 
will win, in the end, a 
share in his inheritance.
{I}24_{/}Smoke and fumes 
precede the fire; so, 
too, insults herald the 
blows.
{I}25_{/}I will not be 
ashamed of protecting a 
friend nor will I avoid 
him; {I}26_{/}if evil 
comes to me from him, all 
who hear of it will 
beware of him.
{I}27_{/}Who will put a 
guard on my mouth and 
effectively lock up my 
lips to prevent me from 
sinning and my tongue 
from hastening my ruin?
{1}23{/}

{I}1_{/}O Lord, Father 
and  master of my life, 
do not abandon me to the 
thoughtless words of my 
lips or allow me to fall 
because of them.
{I}2_{/}Who will deal out 
punishment to my thoughts 
and apply the discipline 
of wisdom to my heart? 
{I}3_{/}Let them not be 
indulgent at my sins or 
the mistakes of my mind, 
lest my errors increase 
and sins multiply, and I 
fall into the hands of my 
enemies, to the joy of my 
foes.
{I}4_{/}Lord, Father and 
God of my life, do not 
allow me to become 
haughty; {I}5_{/}keep 
greed far away from me.
{I}6_{/}Do not let lust 
and lechery take hold of 
me; do not deliver me to 
filthy passions.
{I}7_{/}Children, learn 
how to control your 
language; if you are able 
to watch over it, you 
will not be taken by 
surprise.
{I}8_{/}The sinner will 
be caught in his own 
words, as happens to the 
proud man and to him who 
curses.
{I}9_{/}Do not get used 
to swearing, taking the 
name of the Holy One.
{I}10_{/}For, just as the 
slave who is constantly 
watched will not escape 
without blows so you, 
also, will not be found 
guiltless after 
constantly calling upon 
his name.
{I}11_{/}The man who 
swears habitually will be 
found full of sins, and 
disgrace will not depart 
from his house. If he 
fails to keep his oath 
due to carelessness, 
punishment will descend 
upon him; if he fails 
knowingly, his sin is 
double and if he has 
sworn falsely, he will 
not be forgiven; in any 
case, his house will be 
filled with disasters.
ABOUT IMPURITY AND 
ADULTERY{/}

{I}12_{/}There is a way 
of talking which deserves 
death; let it not be used 
by Jacob's descendants. 
Virtuous men keep far 
away from it and do not 
wallow in sin.
{I}13_{/}Do not accustom 
your mouth to foul 
language for it will be 
sinful talk.
{I}14_{/}Remember your 
father and mother when 
you are sitting in the 
company of the great, 
lest you forget yourself 
in their presence and act 
like a fool. Then you 
would wish you had never 
been born, and curse the 
day of your birth.
{I}15_{/}A man used to 
indecent talk will never 
be reformed in his 
lifetime.
{I}16_{/}Two types of men 
multiply sins and a third 
attracts the Lord's 
anger:
A blazing passion which 
burns like fire will not 
be extinguished until it 
burns itself up.
A man who seeks pleasure 
from his own body, he 
will not give up until he 
catches fire; {I}17_{/}to 
the indecent man, all 
food tastes sweet and he 
will not be satisfied 
until death.
{I}18_{/}The man 
unfaithful to the 
marriage bed who thinks 
like this, "Who sees me? 
Darkness surrounds me, 
the walls hide me; nobody 
can see me. Why should I 
worry? The Almighty will 
not take note of my 
faults."
{I}19_{/}He fears the 
scrutiny of men and does 
not realize that the 
Lord's eyes are a 
thousand times brighter 
than the sun, that they 
watch the conduct of all 
men and penetrate into 
the most secret corners. 
{I}20_{/}All things were 
present to him before 
they were created and so 
will they be after their 
end.
{I}21_{/}This man will be 
punished in view of the 
whole city, he will be 
caught when he least 
expects it.
{I}22_{/}In the same way, 
the woman who is 
unfaithful to her husband 
and gives him an heir by 
another man will be 
punished. {I}23_{/}First, 
she has disobeyed the Law 
of the Almighty. 
Secondly, she has sinned 
against her husband and 
thirdly, she is tainted 
with adultery, for she 
has had children by 
another man.
{I}24_{/}She will be 
taken before the assembly 
and questioned about her 
children. {I}25_{/}The 
children will not be able 
to take root; their 
branches will not bear 
fruit. {I}26_{/}She will 
leave behind a cursed 
memory and her shame will 
never be blotted out. 
{I}27_{/}People who have 
seen her will know that 
nothing matters more than 
the fear of the Lord and 
nothing is sweeter than 
fulfilling his commands.
THE HYMN OF WISDOM{/}

{1}24{/}

{I}1_{/}Listen to wisdom 
singing her own praises 
and extolling herself in 
the midst of her people. 
{I}2_{/}See, she opens 
her mouth in the assembly 
of the Most High, she 
glories in herself before 
the Almighty.
{I}3_{/}I came out from 
the mouth of God and 
covered the face of the 
earth like a mist; 
although {I}4_{/}my 
dwelling place is in the 
highest heavens, my 
throne is within a pillar 
of cloud.
{I}5_{/}I alone have seen 
and understood the vault 
of the skies and strolled 
through the depths of the 
abyss, {I}6_{/}taking 
possession of the raging 
sea and of the earth as 
well, with all its 
peoples and nations.
{I}7_{/}In all of these, 
I looked for a place to 
rest; in which territory 
would I set up my abode?
{I}8_{/}Then the creator 
of the universe commanded 
me, he who created me 
assigned the place of my 
rest, "Pitch your tent in 
Jacob; Israel will be 
your homeland."
{I}9_{/}He created me 
from the beginning, 
before time began, and I 
will never cease to be, 
{I}10_{/}I celebrate in 
his presence the liturgy 
of his Holy Dwelling and 
this is why I settled in 
Zion.
{I}11_{/}The Lord let me 
rest in his beloved city 
and Jerusalem is the 
heart of my kingdom. 
{I}12_{/}I took root in 
the people God has 
favored, in the land of 
the Lord, in their 
inheritance.
{I}13_{/}I grew like a 
cedar in Lebanon, as the 
cypress on Mount Hermon.
{I}14_{/}I grew like the 
palm trees in Engedi and 
the rosebuds of Jericho; 
as a magnificent olive on 
the plains and like a 
plane tree I grew tall.
{I}15_{/}I poured out my 
perfume like a fragrant 
flower, like exquisite 
myrrh I have given choice 
scent; like fragrant 
plants and as the smoke 
of incense which burns in 
the Sanctuary of God.
{I}16_{/}I spread out my 
branches like a vine; 
these are Glory and 
Grace. {I}17_{/}As a vine 
I put out graceful shoots 
and my blossoms are 
riches and glory.
{I}19_{/}Come to me, you 
who desire me and take 
your fill of my fruits. 
{I}20_{/}To experience me 
is sweeter than honey and 
to possess me sweeter 
than any honeycomb. 
{I}21_{/}Those who eat me 
will hunger still; those 
who drink me will thirst 
for more. {I}22_{/}Those 
who obey me will not be 
put to shame; those who 
serve me will not fall 
into sin.
{I}23_{/}All this is in 
the Bible, the Testament 
of the Most High God, the 
book of the Law which 
Moses entrusted to us, 
the inheritance of the 
congregations of Israel.
{I}25_{/}This Law feeds 
the springs of wisdom, 
like the Pishon or Tigris 
in the season of fruit. 
{I}26_{/}Waters 
overflowing with 
understanding come from 
it, as from the Euphrates 
and Jordan at harvest 
time; {I}27_{/}the floods 
of instruction run like 
the Nile or the Gihon in 
time of vintage.
{I}28_{/}He who comes 
first is unable to grasp 
her fully and neither 
will the last exhaust 
her. {I}29_{/}For her 
thoughts are wider than 
the sea and her designs, 
deeper than the abyss.
I HAVE NOT WORKED FOR 
MYSELF ALONE {/}

{I}30_{/}I, for my part, 
went forth like a brook 
from a river, a stream 
diverted into a 
delightful garden. 
{I}31_{/}I thought, "Let 
me irrigate my orchard 
and water my flowers." 
But now my brook has 
grown into a river and 
the river, into a sea.

{I}32_{/}May my teaching 
shine forth like the 
dawn; may I carry its 
light to faraway places. 
{I}33_{/}I will spread my 
teaching like a prophecy 
and leave it to future 
generations.
{I}34_{/}See, all of you, 
that I have not worked 
for myself alone but for 
all those who seek 
wisdom.
{1}25{/}

{I}1_{/}Three things 
delight me and are 
delightful to God and 
men: agreement between 
brothers, friendship 
between neighbors, and 
perfect harmony between 
husband and wife.
{I}2_{/}There are three 
kinds of persons whom I 
detest and whose 
existence I cast away 
from me: a poor man full 
of pride, a rich man who 
is a liar, and an 
adulterous old man who is 
a fool.
{I}3_{/}If you have saved 
nothing in your youth, 
what will you have in old 
age?
{I}4_{/}What a great 
thing is old age with 
sound judgment, an old 
man who can counsel!
{I}5_{/}What a great 
thing is wisdom in those 
who are old, or 
understanding and 
prudence in the great.
{I}6_{/}Rich experience 
is the crown of the old, 
their pride is the fear 
of the Lord.
{I}7_{/}I think of nine 
things which I consider 
happy and a tenth to 
which I will also refer: 
the man who finds his 
happiness in his 
children; the man who 
sees the ruin of his 
enemies in his lifetime. 
{I}8_{/}Happy the man who 
lives with a sensible 
wife; he who does not 
plow with a donkey and 
ox; he who has done no 
wrong in speech; he who 
does not serve an 
unworthy master. 
{I}9_{/}Happy he who has 
acquired good sense and 
is able to speak before 
an attentive audience! 
{I}10_{/}Great is he who 
has gained wisdom, but no 
one surpasses the man who 
fears the Lord.
{I}11_{/}Since the fear 
of the Lord excels 
everything, who can 
compare with the one who 
possesses it?
{I}13_{/}Any wound rather 
than the wound of the 
heart; any wickedness 
rather than the 
wickedness of a woman; 
{I}14_{/}any sadness 
rather than that 
inflicted by an enemy; 
any vengeance rather than 
the vengeance of a foe.
{I}15_{/}There is no 
poison worse than a 
snake's venom, there is 
no rage worse than an 
enemy's.
{I}16_{/}Better to live 
with a lion and a snake 
than to share a house 
with a wicked woman.
{I}17_{/}Wickedness 
disfigures a woman's 
appearance, it saddens 
the face, making her look 
like a bear.
{I}18_{/}When her husband 
dines with his neighbor, 
he sighs bitterly, in 
spite of himself.
{I}19_{/}All wickedness 
is nothing compared with 
a woman's wickedness. Let 
her lot be that of a 
sinner!
{I}20_{/}As a sandhill is 
to an old man's feet, so 
is the talkative woman to 
her quiet husband. 
{I}21_{/}Do not be fooled 
by a woman's beauty or 
fall in love with her.
{I}22_{/}Expect anger, 
reproach and plenty of 
shame when the wife rules 
the husband.
{I}23_{/}Dejected 
spirits, a sad face and 
unseen wounds, these are 
the work of a wicked 
woman. Idle hands and 
unsteady knees are found 
when a wife brings her 
husband no happiness.
{I}24_{/}For sin began 
with woman and we all die 
because of the 
inheritance of the 
congregations of Israel.
{I}25_{/}Do not let water 
leak out or give free 
rein to a wicked woman. 
If she does not do as you 
tell her, get rid of her.
{1}26{/}

{I}1_{/}Happy the husband 
of a good wife, the 
number of his days will 
be doubled. {I}2_{/}A 
woman of character is her 
husband's joy, he will 
live in peace all the 
years of his life.
{I}3_{/}A good wife is 
the best of gifts, 
reserved for those who 
fear the Lord; 
{I}4_{/}rich or poor, he 
will have a serene heart 
and a happy face.
{I}5_{/}Three things 
disturb me and a fourth 
frightens me: 
neighborhood gossip, a 
rioting mob, a false 
accusation, all these are 
worse than death. 
{I}6_{/}But the woman 
jealous of another woman 
brings heartbreak, her 
tongue lashes out at 
everyone.
{I}7_{/}A bad wife is 
like a badly fixed yoke; 
taking her is like 
grasping a scorpion.
{I}8_{/}A drunken wife 
causes scandal; her 
disgrace will not remain 
hidden.
{I}9_{/}A licentious 
woman is noticed by her 
secretive looks and 
recognized by her lively 
eyes. {I}10_{/}Keep a 
firm eye on a defiant 
daughter, so that she may 
not take advantage of 
some occasion.
{I}11_{/}Guard against 
the provocative woman and 
do not be surprised if 
she wishes to drag you 
into disgrace.
{I}12_{/}She opens her 
mouth like a thirsty 
traveler to drink any 
water coming her way; she 
sits by any pole and 
opens her quiver to every 
arrow.
{I}13_{/}A wife's grace 
gladdens her husband and 
her prudence refreshes 
his body. {I}14_{/}A wife 
who knows how to be 
silent is a gift from the 
Lord; the well-trained 
wife is invaluable. 
{I}15_{/}A modest wife is 
a favor among favors; the 
chaste wife is priceless.
{I}16_{/}Like the sun 
rising over the mountains 
of the Lord, such is the 
enchantment of a good 
wife in a well-kept 
house.
{I}17_{/}Like the light 
which shines from the 
sacred lampstand, such is 
a beautiful face in a 
well-shaped body. 
{I}18_{/}Like pillars of 
gold on a silver base, 
such are beautiful legs 
on sturdy feet.
{I}28_{/}There are two 
things which grieve me 
and a third which makes 
me angry: a warrior who 
suffers want; intelligent 
men who are treated 
contemptuously; a man who 
turns from virtue to sin. 
The Lord singles this man 
out to strike him down.
{I}29_{/}The merchant can 
barely avoid greed; the 
shopkeeper cannot remain 
sinless.
{1}27{/}

{I}1_{/}Many sin for love 
of gain, he who desires 
riches silences his 
conscience.
{I}2_{/}Just as the stake 
is settled between two 
stones, so sin wedges 
itself between buying and 
selling. {I}3_{/}The 
house of him who does not 
keep himself firmly in 
the fear of the Lord will 
soon be knocked to the 
ground.
{I}4_{/}When a sieve is 
shaken the dirt falls 
through; so, too, the 
defects of a man are seen 
when he begins to speak.
{I}5_{/}The kiln tests 
the potter's handiwork; a 
man is tested by his 
conversation.
{I}6_{/}A well-tended 
tree is shown by its 
fruits so a man's 
feelings can be detected 
in what he says.
{I}7_{/}Praise no one 
before he has spoken, 
since this is the acid 
test.
{I}8_{/}If you pursue 
righteousness, you will 
achieve it and wear it 
like a festive garment.
{I}9_{/}Birds associate 
with their own kind, so, 
too, does truth greet 
those who are faithful.
{I}10_{/}The lion lurks 
in wait for its prey; so, 
too, does sin lie in wait 
for those who do wrong.
{I}11_{/}The wise man's 
conversation follows 
wisdom all the time. In 
contrast, the fool 
changes like the moon.
{I}12_{/}When among 
fools, be sparing with 
your time; among 
thoughtful people, be 
lavish with it. 
{I}13_{/}The conversation 
of fools is hateful, 
their laughter is coarse 
and raucous.
{I}14_{/}No one can bear 
those who swear all the 
time. Their quarrels make 
you cover your ears.
{I}15_{/}Blood is spilt 
when proud men quarrel 
and their insults are 
painful to the ear.
{I}16_{/}He who betrays a 
secret is no longer 
trusted; he will no 
longer find reliable 
friends. {I}17_{/}Love 
your friend and be loyal; 
if you have revealed his 
secrets, go with him no 
longer. {I}18_{/}It is 
like having lost some of 
your relatives: his 
friendship to you has 
died.
{I}19_{/}Like a bird, you 
have let your friend go, 
you will not get him 
back. When you open your 
hand, the bird flies off; 
{I}20_{/}do not pursue 
him: he is far away and 
has fled like a gazelle 
from the snare. 
{I}21_{/}For a wound can 
be bandaged and an insult 
forgiven, but if you 
betray a secret there is 
no hope.
{I}22_{/}The man who 
winks an eye is plotting 
evil, no one can persuade 
him to change. 
{I}23_{/}He is all 
sweetness to your face, 
praising your words, but 
behind your back he 
speaks differently and 
twists your words.
{I}24_{/}I hate many 
things but nothing more 
than this man; the Lord, 
also, hates and curses 
him.
{I}25_{/}When one tosses 
a stone in the air it 
falls back on his head; 
whoever deals a 
treacherous blow, wounds 
himself.
{I}26_{/}He who digs a 
pit will fall into it; he 
who sets a snare will be 
caught in it.
{I}27_{/}If you do evil, 
evil will befall you and 
you will not know from 
where it comes.
{I}28_{/}The proud man 
makes use of mockery and 
insults, but vengeance 
lies in wait for him like 
a lion.
{I}29_{/}Those who gloat 
over the downfall of good 
men will fall into the 
snare; suffering will 
consume them before they 
die.
{I}30_{/}Grudge and 
wrath, these also are 
abominations in which 
sinful people excel.
DON'T BEAR GRUDGES{/}

{1}28{/}

{I}1_{/}He who demands 
revenge  will suffer the 
vengeance of the Lord who 
keeps a strict account of 
his sins. {I}2_{/}Forgive 
the mistakes of your 
neighbor and you may ask 
that your sins be 
forgiven.
{I}3_{/}If a man bears 
resentment against 
another, how can he ask 
God for healing? 
{I}4_{/}If he has no 
compassion on others, how 
can he pray for 
forgiveness for his sins? 
{I}5_{/}As long as he, 
mere flesh, is resentful, 
who will obtain his 
pardon?
{I}6_{/}Remember your end 
and give up hatred; keep 
in mind your final 
corruption in the grave 
and keep the 
commandments. 
{I}7_{/}Remember the 
commandments and do not 
bear grudges against your 
neighbor. Remember the 
covenant with the Most 
High and overlook the 
offense.
{I}8_{/}Refrain from 
quarreling and you will 
avoid sin; the hot-headed 
man sparks off disputes.
{I}9_{/}The sinner causes 
trouble between friends, 
sowing discord among 
peaceful people.
{I}10_{/}Fire burns when 
fuel is thrown on it; 
stubbornness drags out 
the discussion.
The more powerful the 
man, the greater his 
rage; his anger will be 
in proportion to his 
riches.
{I}11_{/}A sudden quarrel 
sparks off a fire; a 
hasty dispute leads to 
bloodshed.
{I}12_{/}Blow on a spark 
and it ignites; spit on 
it and it dies out: both 
come from your mouth.
{I}13_{/}Cursed be the 
gossiper with his 
spiteful tongue. He has 
destroyed many who lived 
peacefully. {I}14_{/}The 
vicious tongue has 
demolished many and 
hounded them from nation 
to nation. It has ruined 
powerful cities and laid 
low great households.
{I}15_{/}The vicious 
tongue has cast out wives 
who were beyond reproach, 
depriving them of the 
fruit of their work. 
{I}16_{/}Whoever listens 
to it will never find 
rest or be able to live 
in peace.
{I}17_{/}The whip leaves 
a mark but the lash of 
the tongue shatters 
bones.
{I}18_{/}Many have been 
felled by the sword but 
many more have perished 
by the tongue.
{I}19_{/}Happy he who has 
escaped it and has not 
been exposed to its fury, 
who has not been weighed 
down by its yoke or been 
tied up in its chains.
{I}20_{/}For it is a yoke 
of iron and its chains 
are bronze. {I}21_{/}It 
brings a miserable death. 
Actual death is better! 
{I}22_{/}But it will not 
tyrannize those who keep 
faith, it will not 
consume their soul.
{I}23_{/}Those who desert 
the Lord will be its 
victims, it will burn 
them without being burnt 
up itself; it will lunge 
at them like a lion, and 
rip them apart like a 
leopard.
{I}24_{/}Look, you put a 
fence around your 
property and protect your 
silver and gold. 
{I}25_{/}In the same way, 
make weights and scales 
for your words and put a 
bolted door at your 
mouth.
{I}26_{/}Beware of a slip 
of the tongue when you 
speak, lest you fall in 
front of those who lie in 
wait for you.
{1}29{/}

{I}1_{/}Lending to your 
neighbor is an act of 
mercy, going to his aid 
fulfills the 
commandments.
{I}2_{/}Learn to lend to 
your neighbor when he is 
in need and, in turn, 
repay him any loan on 
time.
{I}3_{/}Keep your word, 
remain faithful and you 
will find what you need 
on every occasion.
{I}4_{/}Many think of a 
loan as a quick deal and 
put those who help them 
in a fix.
{I}5_{/}The moment they 
receive it, they kiss the 
hand of the moneylender 
and humble themselves in 
deference to his wealth. 
But on the day repayment 
is due, they prolong the 
time, repay with 
reproaches and blame the 
current situation.
{I}6_{/}If they can 
repay, they pay barely 
half and the moneylender 
will be grateful for that 
much. They have robbed 
him of his money and, 
moreover, he has gained 
enemies, for they repay 
him with curses and 
insults and reproaches 
instead of gratitude.
{I}7_{/}Many a good 
person refuses to lend, 
not for any malicious 
reason: he is afraid of 
being cheated without 
cause.
{I}8_{/}Nevertheless, be 
kind to those who have 
fallen on hard times, do 
not keep them waiting for 
your help.
{I}9_{/}For the 
commandments' sake, help 
the poor man; see his 
need and do not turn him 
away empty-handed.
{I}10_{/}Better to spend 
your money on a brother 
or friend than to let it 
rust under a stone, to 
your discredit.
{I}11_{/}Use your money 
according to the 
commandments of the Most 
High and you will find it 
more valuable than gold.
{I}12_{/}Fill your barns 
with good deeds and these 
will rescue you from 
misfortune. {I}13_{/}They 
will fight for you 
against your enemy better 
than any strong shield 
and mighty spear.
{I}14_{/}A good man goes 
surety for his neighbor; 
the scoundrel leaves him 
to his fate.
{I}15_{/}Do not forget 
the favors of your 
guarantor: he has risked 
his life for you.
{I}16_{/}The sinner 
wastes his guarantor's 
money; the ungrateful man 
forgets the one who saved 
him. {I}17_{/}Acting as 
guarantor has ruined many 
a good man and has tossed 
him like the waves of the 
sea. {I}18_{/}It has 
banished powerful men and 
forced them to wander 
among foreign nations.
{I}19_{/}The sinner is 
anxious to be a guarantor 
but he will be condemned 
as a loan shark.
{I}20_{/}Help your 
neighbor as far as you 
can but beware of falling 
into the same plight.
{I}21_{/}Some things you 
cannot live without: 
water, bread, clothes and 
a house for shelter.
{I}22_{/}Better a poor 
man's life in his wooden 
shack than lavish 
banquets in another man's 
house.
{I}23_{/}Be content with 
whatever you have, be it 
great or small; this is 
better than to go 
elsewhere and be 
reproached as an 
outsider.
{I}24_{/}It is hard to go 
from house to house; 
{I}25_{/}when you are an 
outsider, do not risk 
opening your mouth. You 
will eat and drink 
without much welcome and, 
on top of that, hear 
bitter remarks: 
{I}26_{/}"Come, stranger, 
set the table and 
whatever you have, give 
it to me to eat."
{I}27_{/}"Be off, 
stranger, make room for 
somebody more important; 
my brother is coming to 
see me, I need the 
house."
{I}28_{/}It is hard for a 
good man to have 
hospitality denied him 
and to be treated like a 
debtor.
CORRECT YOUR CHILD{/}

{1}30{/}

{I}1_{/}The man who loves 
his  son makes use of the 
rod; later on he will be 
proud of him. {I}2_{/}The 
man who corrects his son 
will reap the benefit and 
be proud of him among his 
acquaintances. {I}3_{/}By 
instructing his son he 
makes his enemy envious; 
he will be well pleased 
with him in the company 
of his friends.
{I}4_{/}If such a father 
dies it is as if he had 
not died, for he leaves 
behind him another man 
like himself. {I}5_{/}In 
life he had the joy of 
his company and he is not 
sorrowful when death 
comes.
{I}6_{/}He leaves it to 
his family to take 
revenge on his enemies 
and to return gifts to 
his friends.
{I}7_{/}The man who 
coddles his son will be 
constantly bandaging his 
wounds; at his every cry 
he will be troubled.
{I}8_{/}Just as a badly 
broken-in horse cannot be 
mounted, so a spoiled son 
becomes insolent. 
{I}9_{/}Pamper your child 
and later he will terrify 
you; play with him and he 
will bring you sorrow.
{I}10_{/}Do not laugh at 
him lest you have to 
suffer and grind your 
teeth. {I}11_{/}Do not 
let him be independent as 
a child, {I}12_{/}but 
rather bruise his ribs 
while he is still young, 
lest he grow stubborn and 
refuse to obey.
{I}13_{/}Be strict with 
your son and persevere in 
this, so as not to suffer 
because of his 
misconduct.
{I}14_{/}Better a poor 
man healthy and fit, than 
a rich man tormented in 
body.
{I}15_{/}Health and vigor 
are worth more than gold, 
a robust body, more than 
great wealth. {I}16_{/}No 
riches are preferable to 
physical well-being, and 
no joy is greater than a 
cheerful heart.
{I}17_{/}Death is better 
than a wretched life and 
eternal rest preferable 
to lasting sickness.
{I}18_{/}Dishes of food 
placed on an empty tomb 
are like good things 
offered to one who cannot 
eat.
{I}19_{/}What good is a 
sacrifice offered to an 
idol? It can neither eat 
nor smell. So is it with 
the one whom the Lord has 
stricken; {I}20_{/}he 
sees with his eyes and 
groans, like a eunuch 
embracing a virgin and 
sighing.
{I}21_{/}Do not give 
yourself over to sadness 
or torment yourself with 
brooding.
{I}22_{/}Joy of heart is 
life to a man; gladness 
gives him length of days.
{I}23_{/}Delight your 
soul and console your 
heart; chase sorrow far 
away, for sorrow has 
destroyed many and never 
did good to anyone.
{I}24_{/}Jealousy and 
anger shorten your life; 
worry makes you old 
before the time.
{I}25_{/}A cheerful and 
kindly person will have a 
good appetite and enjoy 
his food.
{1}31{/}

{I}1_{/}The sleeplessness 
that wealth brings makes 
a man lose weight; his 
worries drive sleep away.
{I}2_{/}The cares of the 
day prevent sleep; in the 
same way, serious illness 
makes rest impossible.
HAPPY THE ONE WHO DOESN'T 
GO AFTER GOLD{/}

{I}3_{/}The rich man 
toils to increase his 
wealth and then sits back 
and lives in luxury; 
{I}4_{/}the poor man 
toils to survive and is 
in want as soon as he 
leaves off.
{I}5_{/}He who loves gold 
cannot be righteous; 
whoever runs after gain 
will be led astray. 
{I}6_{/}Many have been 
ruined because of gold; 
disgrace went to meet 
them.
{I}7_{/}Gold is a snare 
for those who are 
possessed by love of it. 
The senseless will be 
caught in it.
{I}8_{/}Happy is the rich 
man who has not sinned in 
this way and has not gone 
after gold! {I}9_{/}Who 
is he? Let us say: 
Fortunate man! For he has 
given a wonderful 
example.
{I}10_{/}Who has been 
tested in this and found 
perfect? He has reason to 
be proud. Who could have 
sinned but resisted, who 
could have done wrong and 
did not do it? 
{I}11_{/}His fortune is 
firmly established and 
the assembly will 
acknowledge his 
generosity.
DINNER PARTIES{/}

{I}12_{/}Are you seated 
at a lavish banquet? 
Don't be over-ready to 
eat and don't say, "What 
a feast!"
{I}13_{/}Remember that a 
greedy eye is an evil 
thing. What is worse than 
such an eye? That is why 
it was condemned to weep.
{I}14_{/}Do not stretch 
out your hand to 
everything you see or be 
quick in reaching for a 
dish. {I}15_{/}Judge the 
needs of your fellow 
guest by your own and in 
all things act prudently.
{I}16_{/}Eat what is set 
before you like an 
educated person and don't 
be a glutton, lest you be 
detested.
{I}17_{/}Like a well-
mannered man, be the 
first to stop; don't be 
voracious if you are to 
avoid difficulties. 
{I}18_{/}If important 
people are present, do 
not be the first to serve 
yourself.
{I}19_{/}A little is 
sufficient for a well-
bred person; your 
breathing moreover will 
be easier when you go to 
bed. {I}20_{/}Healthy 
sleeping is for the 
moderate eater. He rises 
early and feels fit! 
Sleeplessness and stomach 
trouble attend the 
overindulgent. 
{I}21_{/}If you are 
obliged to eat too much, 
go off and vomit and you 
will be at ease.
{I}22_{/}Listen to me, my 
friend, and do not 
neglect what I say; in 
the end you will see the 
truth of it. Be moderate 
in all that you do and 
you will be without 
illness.
{I}23_{/}A generous host 
is appreciated: he is 
justly praised, 
{I}24_{/}but everyone 
will complain about a 
stingy host and their 
complaints will be 
justified.
{I}25_{/}Do not try to 
show how much wine you 
can take, for wine has 
been the ruin of many. 
{I}26_{/}As the furnace 
tests the temper of 
steel, so wine proves 
hearts and makes proud 
men quarrel.
{I}27_{/}Wine is life for 
man if taken in 
moderation. What is life 
without wine? 
{I}28_{/}Wine makes for a 
glad heart and a cheerful 
mind, if taken moderately 
and at the right time. 
{I}29_{/}But if taken to 
excess it brings 
bitterness of soul, 
excitement and a fumbling 
step.
{I}30_{/}Drunkenness 
inflames the anger of a 
stupid person to the 
point of scandal. It 
reduces his strength and 
brings him blows. 
{I}31_{/}Do not reproach 
a neighbor during a wine 
feast, and don't look 
down on him when he is 
merry; do not speak 
harshly to him or annoy 
him by asking him to 
settle a debt.
{1}32{/}

{I}1_{/}Have you been 
chosen to preside at a 
party? Don't give 
yourself airs! Just be 
like everyone else in the 
group; see to their needs 
and then sit down. 
{I}2_{/}When you have 
done what you should, 
take your place and enjoy 
yourself with the others. 
They will congratulate 
you for a job well done.
{I}3_{/}If you are older, 
speak as befits your age, 
but know what you are 
talking about and do not 
interrupt the music.
{I}4_{/}If there is a 
concert, refrain from 
speaking; it is not the 
time for playing the wise 
man. {I}5_{/}A musical 
concert at a wine banquet 
is like a ruby set in 
gold. {I}6_{/}As an 
emerald signet set in a 
work of gold, so is the 
music with good wine.
{I}7_{/}If you are young, 
speak if you have to, but 
not more than twice and 
only if requested. 
{I}8_{/}Keep to the point 
and say it all in a few 
words. Show that you are 
well informed but not 
over-anxious to speak.
{I}9_{/}Do not try to be 
the equal of eminent 
people and do not chat 
when someone else is 
speaking.
{I}10_{/}As lightning 
goes before thunder, the 
reputation of a modest 
man goes before him.
{I}11_{/}Leave the party 
at the right time and do 
not be slow about it; no 
lingering, go straight 
home!
{I}12_{/}There you may 
relax and do as you 
please, but do not sin by 
bragging.
{I}13_{/}And thank your 
Creator for the enjoyment 
of all good things.
{I}14_{/}Whoever fears 
the Lord will accept his 
correction, and those who 
rise at dawn will win his 
favor.
{I}15_{/}The man who 
follows his Law will be 
nourished by it, but the 
hypocrite will find it a 
stumbling block.
{I}16_{/}Those who fear 
the Lord will please him 
and their good deeds will 
shine as a light.
{I}17_{/}The sinner 
refuses correction and 
excuses himself for doing 
what he wants.
{I}18_{/}A person of 
judgment reflects 
beforehand; the stubborn 
and proud man goes ahead 
without worrying about 
anything.
{I}19_{/}Never act 
without first reflecting, 
and you will have no 
regrets.
{I}20_{/}Do not go along 
a rough road lest you 
stumble on stones. 
{I}21_{/}And do not be 
too sure of your step on 
a smooth path. 
{I}22_{/}Beware even of 
your own children.
{I}23_{/}Be careful in 
whatever you do. In so 
doing you keep the 
commandments.
{I}24_{/}Those who trust 
in the Law will keep the 
commandments and those 
who obey the Lord will 
come to no harm.
{1}33{/}

{I}1_{/}Evil will not go 
to meet the one who fears 
the Lord; if he is in 
danger he will be 
rescued.
{I}2_{/}The wise man 
never departs from the 
Law; he who only pretends 
to keep it is like a 
storm-tossed boat.
{I}3_{/}An intelligent 
man has faith in the Law, 
which for him is as 
trustworthy as an oracle.
{I}4_{/}If you want 
people to listen to you, 
prepare what you have to 
say; recall what you have 
learned before you give 
an answer. {I}5_{/}A cart 
wheel! That is what the 
feelings of a fool are 
like. His mind resembles 
a turning axle.
{I}6_{/}A mocking friend 
is like a wild horse, 
neighing when anyone 
rides him.
{I}7_{/}Why is one day 
holier than another, when 
the light of the sun 
shines on every day of 
the year? {I}8_{/}By the 
Lord's decision they were 
made different; he 
arranged the different 
seasons and feasts.
{I}9_{/}Some of these he 
chose to make holy, 
others he made ordinary 
days. {I}10_{/}All men 
come from clay just as 
Adam himself was formed. 
{I}11_{/}In the fullness 
of his wisdom the Lord 
made each one unique and 
diversified his 
conditions.
{I}12_{/}Some he made 
holy, keeping them near 
to himself. Others he 
cursed and humiliated, 
removing them from where 
they were.
{I}13_{/}As clay in the 
hand of the potter to be 
molded as he pleases, so 
are all in the hands of 
the Creator to be dealt 
with as he sees fit. 
{I}14_{/}Good is the 
opposite of evil, and 
life, of death, and the 
sinner is the opposite of 
the upright. 
{I}15_{/}Consider all the 
works of the Most High 
and you will see how they 
go in pairs, by 
opposites.
{I}16_{/}As for me I have 
been the last to keep 
watch, like a gleaner 
following the grape-
pickers. {I}17_{/}By the 
blessing of the Lord I 
have taken the lead and 
like the grape-picker I 
have filled the 
winepress. {I}18_{/}Note 
that not only for myself 
have I toiled, but for 
all who seek instruction. 
{I}19_{/}Hear me, rulers 
of the people, leaders of 
the assembly hear!
{I}20_{/}Neither to son, 
wife, brother nor friend 
give power over yourself 
during your life. Do not 
give your property to 
another in case you 
regret it and have to beg 
them to return it.
{I}21_{/}As long as you 
live and there is breath 
in you, do not give power 
over yourself to anyone. 
{I}22_{/}It is preferable 
for your children to be 
dependent on you, than 
that you be obliged to 
depend on them. 
{I}23_{/}Be master of all 
that you do; let not 
others stain your 
reputation.
{I}24_{/}Wait until the 
end of your days, until 
death is near, to 
distribute your 
inheritance.
YOUR SLAVES{/}

{I}25_{/}Fodder, stick 
and burdens are for the 
donkey; bread, correction 
and work are for the 
slave.
{I}26_{/}Put your slave 
to work and you will have 
peace. Let him take it 
easy and he will want to 
be free. {I}27_{/}Yoke 
and harness will bow the 
neck. For a criminal 
slave there are torture 
and the stocks.
{I}28_{/}Send him to work 
or he will be idle, and 
idleness teaches much 
evil. {I}29_{/}Give him 
work that is appropriate 
for him; if he does not 
obey, put his feet in 
chains.
{I}30_{/}But do not be 
over-demanding with 
anyone and do nothing 
without discernment.
{I}31_{/}You have a 
slave? Let him be like 
you; for you bought him 
through blood.
{I}32_{/}You have a 
slave? Treat him like a 
brother. You need him as 
you need yourself. 
{I}33_{/}If you ill-treat 
him and he escapes, where 
will you go to look for 
him?
DREAMS{/}

{1}34{/}

{I}1_{/}The foolish are 
deceived  by vain and 
false hopes; dreams give 
them wings.
{I}2_{/}To rely on dreams 
is like grasping a shadow 
or chasing the wind. 
{I}3_{/}What you see in 
dreams are only 
reflections: a person 
sees his own image.
{I}4_{/}What clean thing 
can come from what is 
unclean? What truth comes 
from what is false? 
{I}5_{/}Divinations, 
omens and dreams are 
empty like the fantasies 
of a woman in labor. 
{I}6_{/}Unless they come 
as messengers of the Most 
High, do not pay 
attention to them. 
{I}7_{/}For dreams have 
led many people astray. 
Those who hoped in them 
have fallen.
{I}8_{/}Not so the Law, 
which never fails but 
comes true. Wisdom from 
the truthful lips of God 
is the highest truth.
{I}9_{/}One who has 
traveled knows a great 
deal, and a man of wide 
experience will talk 
soundly. {I}10_{/}A 
person who has not had 
trials knows very little. 
But the traveled man is 
competent in many ways. 
{I}11_{/}I have made many 
discoveries on my travels 
and understood more than 
I can express. {I}12_{/}I 
have often been in danger 
of death but have been 
saved thanks to my 
experience.
{I}13_{/}The spirit of 
those who fear the Lord 
will live, for their hope 
is placed in the One who 
saves.
{I}14_{/}He who fears the 
Lord is in dread of 
nothing. He will not be 
cowardly for he is his 
hope. {I}15_{/}He who 
fears the Lord is a happy 
person. To whom does he 
turn? Who is his support?
{I}16_{/}The eyes of the 
Lord are on those who 
love him. For them he is 
powerful protection, 
strong support, shelter 
against scorching wind 
and the midday sun. He is 
a safeguard against 
stumbling and assurance 
against a fall. 
{I}17_{/}He lifts up the 
soul and gives a sparkle 
to the eyes; he gives 
healing, life and 
blessing.
OFFERINGS PLEASING TO 
GOD{/}

{I}18_{/}An offering to 
God from stolen goods is 
a stained offering, the 
sacrifices of the wicked 
do not please God.
{I}19_{/}The Most High 
takes no pleasure in the 
offering of the godless. 
It is not the number of 
victims that obtains 
pardon for sin.
{I}20_{/}Offering to God 
from what belongs to the 
poor is like slaughtering 
a son in the presence of 
his father. 
{I}21_{/}Bread is life to 
the poor; he who takes it 
from them is a murderer. 
{I}22_{/}He who deprives 
others of a livelihood 
kills them, and whoever 
withdraws the salary of a 
worker is guilty of 
blood.
{I}23_{/}If one builds 
and the other destroys, 
what do they gain besides 
trouble? {I}24_{/}If one 
prays and the other 
curses, whose voice will 
the Master listen to?
{I}25_{/}If a man is 
cleansed after touching a 
corpse and then touches 
it again, what good was 
there in his cleansing?
{I}26_{/}If anyone fasts 
for his sins and then 
commits the same sins, 
who will hear his prayer? 
What value is there in 
his fasting?
{1}35{/}

{I}1_{/}Keeping the Law 
is worth  many offerings. 
Being faithful to the 
commandments is like a 
peace offering.
{I}2_{/}Returning 
kindness is an offering 
of fine flour; giving 
alms is a sacrifice of 
praise.
{I}3_{/}Renouncing sin 
pleases the Lord, and 
shunning injustice is a 
sacrifice of atonement.
{I}4_{/}Do not appear 
before the Lord with 
empty hands. The 
commandment requires that 
you bring an offering.
{I}5_{/}When the offering 
of the righteous is 
burned on the altar, the 
fat drips down and a 
fragrant aroma rises to 
the Most High.
{I}6_{/}The sacrifice of 
the just man pleases God 
and will not be 
forgotten. {I}7_{/}Honor 
the Lord with a generous 
heart and do not be 
stingy with the first 
fruits of your harvest.
{I}8_{/}Offer your gifts 
with a smiling face and 
when you pay your tithes 
do it gladly.
THE LORD WILL NOT 
DELAY{/}

{I}9_{/}Give to the Most 
High as he has given to 
you; give generously to 
the Lord according to 
what you have; 
{I}10_{/}the Lord will 
repay, he will reward you 
sevenfold.
{I}11_{/}If you attempt 
to bribe him with gifts 
he will not accept them; 
do not rely on offerings 
from dishonest gain.
{I}12_{/}The Lord is 
judge and shows no 
partiality. {I}13_{/}He 
will not disadvantage the 
poor, he who hears the 
prayer of the oppressed. 
{I}14_{/}He does not 
disdain the plea of the 
orphan, nor the complaint 
of the widow.
{I}15_{/}When tears flow 
down her cheeks, is she 
not crying out against 
the one who caused her to 
weep?
{I}16_{/}The one who 
serves God wholeheartedly 
will be heard; his 
petition will reach the 
clouds. {I}17_{/}The 
prayer of the humble 
person pierces the 
clouds, and he is not 
consoled until he has 
been heard. {I}18_{/}His 
prayer will not cease 
until the Most High has 
looked down, until 
justice has been done in 
favor of the righteous.
{I}19_{/}And the Lord 
will not delay, nor will 
he be patient with the 
wicked, {I}20_{/}but he 
will crush the backbone 
of the merciless and have 
vengeance on the nations, 
{I}21_{/}until he has 
completely destroyed the 
hordes of the violent and 
broken the power of the 
wicked, {I}22_{/}until he 
has repaid each one 
according to his deeds, 
{I}23_{/}until he has 
judged his people and 
made them rejoice because 
of his mercy.
{I}24_{/}Blessed is his 
mercy in the time of 
adversity! It is like 
rain clouds during a 
drought!
PRAYER FOR THE 
DELIVERANCE OF ISRAEL{/}

{1}36{/}

{I}1_{/}Have mercy on us, 
Master, God of all, and 
look on us; make every 
nation stand in fear of 
you.
{I}2_{/}Take action 
against the pagan nations 
and let them see your 
power. {I}3_{/}You have 
shown them your holiness 
through what happened to 
us, so now let us see 
your great power in 
acting among them.
{I}4_{/}Let them 
acknowledge, as we have 
acknowledged, that there 
is no God but you, Lord.
{I}5_{/}Give new signs, 
do fresh wonders, stretch 
out your hand and be 
glorified in your 
strength.
{I}6_{/}Kindle your fury 
and rouse your anger, 
destroy your opponents, 
crush your enemy.
{I}7_{/}Hasten the day, 
remember your covenant so 
that we may speak of your 
great deeds. {I}8_{/}Let 
the survivors be consumed 
in fiery wrath, let those 
who oppress send to 
perdition. {I}9_{/}Crush 
the heads of hostile 
rulers - those who say 
they alone count.
{I}10_{/}Gather all the 
tribes of Jacob, give 
them back their 
inheritance as in the 
beginning.
{I}11_{/}Have pity, Lord, 
on the people known by 
your Name, on Israel whom 
you called your 
firstborn.
{I}12_{/}Show compassion 
to the holy city, to 
Jerusalem where you rest.
{I}13_{/}Fill Zion with 
the fame of your wonders, 
and your people with your 
glory.
{I}14_{/}Confirm the 
promises made to your 
people long ago and 
fulfill the promises made 
in your name.
{I}15_{/}Reward those who 
wait for you and fulfill 
the words of your 
prophets.
{I}16_{/}Hear the prayer 
of your servants, Lord; 
hear your priests giving 
Aaron's blessing to your 
people.
{I}17_{/}So that all on 
earth may acknowledge 
that you are Lord and 
everlasting God.
CHOOSING A WIFE{/}

{I}18_{/}The stomach 
takes in all kinds of 
food but one food is 
better than another.
{I}19_{/}Just as the 
tongue can distinguish 
the flavor of game, so 
does the alert mind 
detect lies.
{I}20_{/}A crooked heart 
causes sorrow, but an 
experienced person knows 
how to get even with him.
{I}21_{/}A woman will 
accept any husband but 
some daughters are better 
than others.
{I}22_{/}Woman's beauty 
rejoices people and is 
beyond all that could be 
wished for.
{I}23_{/}If she is 
kindly-spoken and gentle 
he is the most fortunate 
of men.
{I}24_{/}When a man 
marries he acquires a 
fortune, someone who 
understands him and who 
will help and support 
him.
{I}25_{/}When there is no 
hedge the property will 
be destroyed; and when a 
man has no wife he is a 
fretful wanderer.
{I}26_{/}Who would trust 
a clever robber flitting 
from town to town? 
{I}27_{/}And who would 
trust a man without a 
nest, who lodges wherever 
nightfall finds him? 
FRIENDS AND COUNSELORS{/}

{1}37{/}

{I}1_{/}Every friend 
says, "I am your friend, 
too," but some friends 
are only friends in name.
{I}2_{/}Is it not a 
deadly grief when a 
companion or friend turns 
into an enemy?
{I}3_{/}O evil intention! 
From where have you 
sprung, to cover the 
earth with deceit?
One kind of comrade takes 
advantage of his friend's 
good fortune; in time of 
trouble he turns against 
him. {I}5_{/}Another kind 
shares his friend's 
suffering, for the sake 
of a meal; when it comes 
to a fight, he thinks 
only of saving himself.
{I}6_{/}Do not neglect a 
friend or forget him once 
you are wealthy.
{I}7_{/}All advisers give 
advice but some seek only 
their own gain.
{I}8_{/}Distrust the 
person who offers advice, 
lest he take advantage of 
you; first of all, ask 
yourself what he lacks, 
and what his own interest 
suggests to him.
{I}9_{/}Perhaps he says 
to you, "You are on the 
right road," while he 
keeps his distance, to 
see what happens to you.
{I}10_{/}Do not seek 
advice from one who looks 
at you suspiciously; hide 
your plans from those who 
envy you.
{I}11_{/}Do not consult a 
woman about her rival, or 
a coward about war, or a 
merchant about exchange 
rates, or a buyer about 
selling, or a jealous man 
about gratitude, or a 
selfish person about 
generosity, or an idler 
about any kind of work, 
or a casual worker about 
finishing a job, or a 
lazy servant about an 
important task. Do not 
rely on these people for 
any advice.

{I}12_{/}But go to a 
trustworthy man whom you 
know to be a keeper of 
the commandments, whose 
soul reflects your own 
and who will suffer with 
you, if you fail.
{I}13_{/}In the end, keep 
to your own heart's 
advice, since no one 
deserves to be trusted 
more than your heart.
{I}14_{/}For a man's soul 
often gives better advice 
than seven watchmen 
placed on a height.
{I}15_{/}Besides all 
this, implore the 
Almighty to guide your 
steps in the truth.
{I}16_{/}A plan must be 
at the beginning of all 
work; reflection comes 
before every action.
{I}17_{/}When you decide, 
four ways are open before 
you: {I}18_{/}good, evil, 
life and death. Your own 
decision makes the 
choice.
{I}19_{/}A clever man may 
teach many but do no good 
for himself.
{I}20_{/}A man may be 
wise, but if his words 
are rejected he will end 
up starving,
{I}21_{/}not having won 
the favor of the Lord and 
being destitute of all 
wisdom.
{I}22_{/}Another man is 
wise for himself. He 
himself takes advantage 
of his wisdom.
{I}23_{/}The truly wise 
man teaches his people, 
and they benefit by his 
knowledge.
{I}24_{/}The wise man is 
full of blessings; those 
who see him call him 
happy.
{I}25_{/}Man's days are 
numbered but Israel's 
days are countless.
{I}26_{/}The wise man 
will win the confidence 
of his people; his name 
will live forever.
{I}27_{/}My son, test 
yourself during the 
course of your life; see 
what is harmful and avoid 
it.
{I}28_{/}For everything 
does not suit everybody, 
nor is everyone satisfied 
with all things.
{I}29_{/}Do not be 
insatiable in every 
pleasure, or be excessive 
in what you eat; 
{I}30_{/}for overeating 
leads to sickness and 
gluttony brings 
indigestion. 
{I}31_{/}Many have died 
because of gluttony; he 
who takes care prolongs 
his life.
THE DOCTOR{/}

{1}38{/}

{I}1_{/}Give due honor to 
the  doctor, for you need 
him and God himself 
established him.
{I}2_{/}Healing, in fact, 
comes from the Most High; 
the gift of healing comes 
from the Sovereign.
{I}3_{/}The doctor's 
expertise gives him 
prestige and wins for him 
the admiration of the 
powerful.
{I}4_{/}The Lord created 
the medicinal herbs which 
grow on the earth, and 
these a sensible person 
will not despise.
{I}5_{/}Remember that he 
used a simple wooden rod 
to purify water and so 
make known his power to 
everyone.
{I}6_{/}It is he who 
gives knowledge to men so 
that his power be 
glorified; {I}7_{/}the 
doctor uses it to heal 
and comfort, the chemist 
to make his mixtures. 
{I}8_{/}In that way the 
Lord's work never ceases 
and well-being prevails 
on the earth.
{I}9_{/}My son, when you 
are sick do not be 
anxious; pray to the Lord 
to heal you. 
{I}10_{/}Give up bad 
habits, keep your hands 
unsoiled, and purify your 
heart from all sin.
{I}11_{/}Offer incense 
and a memorial gift of 
fine flour and rich 
offerings according to 
your means. {I}12_{/}Then 
consult the doctor; 
remember that he was 
established by the Lord, 
so do not disregard him - 
you need him. 
{I}13_{/}There are cases 
when good health depends 
on doctors. 
{I}14_{/}They, too, will 
pray to the Most High to 
grant them success in 
healing in order to save 
life.
{I}15_{/}May he who sins 
before his Maker, fall 
into the hands of the 
doctor!
GRIEVING{/}

{I}16_{/}My son, weep for 
the dead, lament to 
express your sorrow and 
bury the dead with 
fitting ceremony, and do 
not fail to honor his 
tomb.
{I}17_{/}Weep bitterly, 
cry out with full voice, 
and observe the period of 
mourning in accordance 
with the merits of the 
deceased. Let it be for 
one or two days, and so 
avoid criticism, and then 
be consoled in your 
grief.
{I}18_{/}For sorrow may 
lead to death and a 
dejected heart loses its 
vitality.
{I}19_{/}Let your 
affliction cease with the 
funeral; a life of sorrow 
is intolerable.
{I}20_{/}Do not let your 
heart give way to grief; 
bear up and think of your 
own end.
{I}21_{/}Remember! There 
is no coming back, you do 
the dead no good, but 
rather harm yourself.
{I}22_{/}Keep in mind my 
sentence which will be 
yours as well: mine 
yesterday, yours today!
{I}23_{/}When the dead 
person is at rest, let 
his memory be one of 
peace; be comforted on 
his account once his 
spirit has departed.
CRAFTSMEN AND WISE MEN{/}

{I}24_{/}A law student 
acquires wisdom during 
his leisure hours; free 
from business he is 
capable of becoming wise.
{I}25_{/}How can the man 
who guides a plow become 
wise, he whose pride lies 
in snapping a whip and 
driving a bullock, who 
works continually and 
talks of nothing but 
cattle? {I}26_{/}His 
heart is set on plowing 
furrows and all his 
attention is given to 
fattening heifers.
{I}27_{/}It is the same 
for all craftsmen and 
skilled workers who toil 
day and night, 
professional engravers 
and designers of seals. 
All are intent on 
creating different 
designs and reproducing 
the model, and they work 
even at night in order to 
succeed.
{I}28_{/}So, too, is the 
smith standing beside the 
anvil intent on forging 
iron; his face is 
scorched by flames from 
the fire and he struggles 
in the heat of the 
furnace; the clang of the 
hammer is deafening; his 
eyes are fixed on the 
model to be copied, he 
makes every effort to 
work well and spends time 
at night in bringing his 
task to perfection.
{I}29_{/}It is the same 
for the potter seated at 
his work, his foot 
turning the wheel, always 
concentrating on what he 
is molding, every 
movement purposefully 
controlled. {I}30_{/}His 
arm kneads the clay, his 
feet make it pliable. All 
his attention is needed 
in applying the glaze and 
at night he sees to the 
cleaning of the furnace.
{I}31_{/}All these 
craftsmen depend on their 
hands for gaining skill 
in their different 
crafts. {I}32_{/}Without 
them a city could not be 
built; no settlers or 
travelers would come to 
it.
{I}33_{/}But they are not 
to be found in the 
councils of people, nor 
do their words carry 
weight in an assembly. 
They do not occupy the 
judge's seat and they are 
not familiar with the 
Law.
{I}34_{/}They are not 
cultured people or 
skilled in judgment and 
they are not found among 
authors of proverbs.
They uphold creation and 
civilization, and their 
prayer is in their life's 
work.
{1}39{/}

{I}1_{/}Quite different 
is it with the person who 
spends his life 
reflecting on the Law of 
the Most High. He 
examines the wisdom of 
the sages in times past 
and in his free time he 
studies prophecies.
{I}2_{/}He keeps in mind 
what men of renown have 
said and penetrates the 
mystery of parables. 
{I}3_{/}He searches for 
the inner meaning of 
proverbs and is 
interested in the secret 
of parables.
{I}4_{/}He is at the 
service of great men and 
is seen in the company of 
leaders. He travels in 
foreign lands and has 
experience of both the 
good and the evil in 
mankind.
{I}5_{/}Early in the 
morning his heart is set 
on turning to the Lord, 
his Maker, and raising 
his being to the Most 
High. He opens his mouth 
in prayer and makes 
supplication because of 
his sins.
{I}6_{/}If such is the 
will of the great Lord he 
will be filled with the 
spirit of discernment. He 
will then speak words of 
wisdom and celebrate the 
Lord in prayer.
{I}7_{/}He will acquire 
just judgment and 
knowledge and reflect on 
the Lord's hidden 
mysteries.
{I}8_{/}In his teaching 
he discloses what he has 
learned and glories in 
the law of the Lord's 
covenant.
{I}9_{/}Many people 
praise his discernment 
and never will he be 
forgotten. His memory 
will not fade and his 
name will live on from 
generation to generation.
{I}10_{/}Nations will 
proclaim his wisdom and 
the assembly will 
celebrate his praise.
{I}11_{/}As long as he 
lives his name will be 
more glorious than a 
thousand others, and when 
he dies that fame will be 
enough.
ALL CREATION IS GOOD{/}

{I}12_{/}I wish to share 
still more of my 
reflections; I am filled 
with them just as the 
moon is said to be full.
{I}13_{/}Hear me, devoted 
people, and grow as a 
rose planted near a 
stream.
{I}14_{/}Spread fragrance 
around you like incense; 
blossom and perfume the 
air like a lily; sing a 
hymn and bless Yahweh for 
all his works.
{I}15_{/}Magnify his Name 
and proclaim his praise 
with song and lyre, 
expressing this with 
thanksgiving.
{I}16_{/}How magnificent 
are the works of the 
Lord! All his commands 
are appropriately timed 
and satisfy every need.
No one should say: "What 
is this? Why is that?" 
All must be studied in 
its time.
{I}17_{/}At his word the 
waters ceased to flow and 
piled up, his voice 
caused the reservoir of 
water to open; 
{I}18_{/}at his order his 
every wish is fulfilled, 
and no one hinders his 
work of salvation.
{I}19_{/}The deeds of 
every man are before him, 
nothing is hidden from 
his eyes; {I}20_{/}he 
sees all from eternity to 
eternity and nothing 
surprises him.
{I}21_{/}No one must say: 
"What is that? Why is it 
so?" for everything is 
created for a purpose.
{I}22_{/}His blessing 
covers all things and 
like a river drenches the 
land as in a flood. 
{I}23_{/}Similarly he may 
pour out his wrath on the 
nations, just as he has 
turned fresh water into 
salt.
{I}24_{/}If his ways are 
smooth for holy people 
they are full of 
obstacles for the wicked. 
{I}25_{/}From the 
beginning, good things 
have been created for the 
good and likewise evil 
things for the wicked.
{I}26_{/}Most necessary 
for man's life are water, 
fire, iron and salt, 
wheaten flour, milk, 
honey, the juice of the 
grape, oil and clothing.
{I}27_{/}All these are 
good for those who are 
good, but for sinners 
they become evil.
{I}28_{/}Certain winds 
are created as a means of 
punishment and in their 
fury they are a scourge, 
unleashing their violence 
in the time of 
destruction and 
satisfying the wrath of 
their Creator.
{I}29_{/}Fire, hail, 
famine and death have all 
been created for 
punishment.
{I}30_{/}The fangs of 
wild beasts, scorpions, 
vipers and the avenging 
sword for the destruction 
of the wicked, 
{I}31_{/}all joyfully 
carry out his commands, 
all are ready when need 
arises and at a given 
moment they will not fail 
to obey his word.
{I}32_{/}For that reason 
I reflected and from the 
beginning I decided to 
write:
{I}33_{/}All the works of 
the Lord are good and he 
will satisfy every need 
in due time.
{I}34_{/}You must not 
say: This is less good 
than that, for in its 
time everything will 
serve a purpose.
{I}35_{/}So now, with all 
your heart and in full 
voice, sing and bless the 
Name of the Lord.
THE MISERY OF HUMAN 
LIFE{/}

{1}40{/}

{I}1_{/}Painful is the 
lot of all men, a heavy 
yoke is upon the sons of 
Adam from the day they 
leave their mother's womb 
to the day they return to 
the mother of us all.
{I}2_{/}What is on their 
mind, what they fear in 
their heart, is the day 
of their death. 
{I}3_{/}From the king, 
glorious on his throne, 
robed in purple and 
wearing a crown, 
{I}4_{/}to the lowliest 
person sitting in dust 
and ashes and covered 
with sackcloth, there is 
anger, envy, trouble and 
unrest, fear of death, 
rivalry and quarrels.
{I}5_{/}And at night when 
we lie down we have fresh 
worries: {I}6_{/}scarcely 
are we at rest and asleep 
when we are troubled by 
dreams as vivid as if it 
were day and we were 
fleeing from a battle. 
{I}7_{/}When it is time 
to wake up, we feel 
surprised to find that 
there is nothing to fear.
{I}8_{/}This is the fate 
of every living creature, 
man and beast, but for 
sinners it is seven times 
worse, {I}9_{/}in death, 
bloodshed, strife, sword, 
misfortune, famine, 
affliction and calamity.
{I}10_{/}All these were 
created for the wicked, 
and the flood as well was 
sent on their account.
{I}11_{/}Everything that 
comes from the earth goes 
back to the earth, and 
what comes from the 
waters returns to the 
sea.
{I}12_{/}All bribery, all 
injustice will disappear 
but good faith will last 
forever.
{I}13_{/}The unjust 
riches will vanish like a 
stream that dries up; 
they will crash like a 
clap of thunder during a 
downpour.
{I}14_{/}A generous man 
has reason to rejoice, 
whereas sinners go to 
their ruin.
{I}15_{/}The children of 
the ungodly will not be 
blessed with large 
families; they are like 
plants taking root on 
sheer rock, {I}16_{/}like 
reeds in water and along 
the river bank, withering 
sooner than other plants.
{I}17_{/}Kindness is like 
a garden of blessings and 
charity endures forever.
{I}18_{/}Life is pleasant 
both for an independent 
person and a self-reliant 
worker, but still better 
off is the one who finds 
a treasure.
{I}19_{/}The name of a 
man who has children or 
who has established a 
town will live on, but to 
have found wisdom is a 
greater good.
Owning cattle and 
plantations brings fame, 
but a perfect wife is a 
richer blessing.
{I}20_{/}Wine and music 
gladden the heart, but 
better still is the love 
of wisdom.
{I}21{/}The flute and 
harp make fine music, but 
even more appreciated is 
a pleasant voice.
{I}22_{/}Gracefulness and 
beauty delight the eye, 
but not as much as the 
fresh growth of fields.
{I}23_{/}It is always 
good for friends and 
companions to meet, 
better still for husband 
and wife.
{I}24_{/}Brothers and 
protectors are useful in 
hard times, but it will 
be of greater help to 
have been a giver of 
alms.
{I}25_{/}Gold and silver 
make for security but 
good advice is better.
{I}26_{/}Wealth and 
strength give confidence, 
but good counsel is more 
esteemed than either.
You cannot suffer loss 
when you fear the Lord, 
with it you have all the 
support you need.
{I}27_{/}The fear of the 
Lord is like a garden of 
blessings; it clothes a 
person better than any 
glory.
{I}28_{/}My son, do not 
live the life of a 
beggar; it would be 
better to die than to 
beg.
{I}29_{/}When a man is 
always eyeing another's 
table, it cannot be said 
that he is really living, 
for he is defiling 
himself with another's 
food; an intelligent and 
educated man will avoid 
this.
{I}30_{/}That for which a 
shameless man begs may 
seem sweet to his mouth 
but his inner being is 
burning.
DEATH{/}

{1}41{/}

{I}1_{/}Death! What a 
bitter thought for 
someone who lives happily 
among his possessions, a 
prosperous and successful 
man who is still able to 
enjoy his food!
{I}2_{/}Your sentence, 
Death, is welcome to a 
needy person whose 
strength is failing, who 
is old, worn out, and 
full of worries; to one 
who is angry and without 
hope!
{I}3_{/}Do not be afraid 
of Death's sentence; 
think of those who have 
gone before you and those 
who will follow. 
{I}4_{/}The Lord has 
decreed it for every 
living creature; why 
should you rebel against 
the good pleasure of the 
Most High?
Whether you live for ten, 
a hundred or a thousand 
years, no one in the 
netherworld is concerned.
{I}5_{/}Abominable 
people, such are the 
children of sinners who 
gather in the houses of 
the ungodly.
{I}6_{/}The inheritance 
of the sons of sinners 
will perish; their 
prosperity will be a 
lasting reproach.
{I}7_{/}An ungodly father 
will be insulted by his 
children, for they hold 
him responsible for their 
disgrace.
{I}8_{/}Woe to you, 
wicked people who have 
forsaken the law of the 
Most High! {I}9_{/}At 
birth you are born to be 
cursed and you will be 
cursed at death.
{I}10_{/}All that comes 
from the earth returns to 
the earth, and the 
ungodly go from curse to 
ruin.
{I}11_{/}People grieve 
because their bodies will 
perish, but even the evil 
names of sinners will be 
blotted out.
{I}12_{/}Have regard for 
your reputation, for it 
will live on, of greater 
value than a thousand 
hoards of gold. 
{I}13_{/}Few perhaps are 
the days of the just 
man's life but an honored 
name endures forever.
TRUE AND FALSE SHAME{/}

{I}14_{/}My children, 
keep my teaching and live 
in peace. Of what use is 
hidden wisdom and unseen 
treasure?
{I}15_{/}It is better for 
a man to hide his 
foolishness than to hide 
his wisdom.
{I}16_{/}Therefore, feel 
shame according to what I 
say. It is not always 
fitting to feel shame, 
but this is not 
understood by everyone.
{I}17_{/}Be ashamed of 
licentiousness before 
your father and mother, 
and of a lie before a 
ruler or an important 
person.
{I}18_{/}Be ashamed of 
criminal behavior before 
a judge, and of iniquity 
before an assembly of 
people.
{I}19_{/}Feel ashamed of 
dishonesty before your 
partner or friend, and of 
a theft in the place 
where you live.
{I}20_{/}Be ashamed 
before the truth of God 
and his covenant. Be 
ashamed of keeping the 
loaves for 
yourself,{I}_21_{/}of 
being unable to give and 
to receive, of not 
returning a greeting,
{I}22_{/}of staring at a 
prostitute,
of rejecting a 
compatriot,
{I}23_{/}of depriving 
someone of what is his,
of gazing at another 
man's wife,
{I}24_{/}of being too 
familiar with your 
maidservant - keep away 
from her bed!
{I}25_{/}of insulting 
words to a friend -
do not follow up a gift 
with a reproach!
{I}26_{/}of repeating 
what you have heard and 
betraying secrets.
{I}27_{/}On these 
occasions feel genuine 
shame and you will be 
respected by all.
{1}42{/}

{I}1_{/}But do not let 
yourself be led astray by 
any of the things that 
follow. {I}2_{/}Do not be 
ashamed
of the law of the Most 
High and his covenant,
of judging even the 
wicked fairly,
{I}3_{/}of keeping 
accounts with a traveling 
companion,
and of sharing your 
inheritance with friends,
{I}4_{/}of checking 
weights and scales, 
{I}5_{/}of making a 
profit whether small or 
great,
of bargaining with 
traders, and of being 
strict with children,
of severe corporal 
punishment for a servant 
who deserves it.

{I}6_{/}With a prying 
wife or when many people 
are around, it is wise to 
make use of seal and 
lock!
{I}7_{/}For deposits it 
is essential to reckon by 
number and weight and 
keep a written record of 
what you give and 
receive.
{I}8_{/}Do not be ashamed 
of correcting someone who 
is foolish or stupid or 
an old man who has become 
childish.
Doing that, you prove 
that you are a well-
educated person and you 
will be generally 
respected.
{I}9_{/}A daughter causes 
her father hidden 
worries; anxiety on her 
account keeps him awake:
Is she young? She may not 
marry. Is she married? 
She may be disliked;
{I}10_{/}Is she a virgin? 
She may be seduced and 
become pregnant in her 
father's house!
Is she married? She may 
be unfaithful or unable 
to have children!

{I}11_{/}Your daughter is 
unruly? Watch her well, 
or she may make you a 
laughingstock to your 
enemies, the talk of the 
town and a public 
disgrace.
{I}12_{/}Do not be taken 
by human beauty and do 
not sit down in the 
company of women; 
{I}13_{/}for just as a 
moth comes out of a 
garment, woman's 
wickedness comes out of a 
woman.
{I}14_{/}Better a man's 
wickedness than a woman's 
kindness; women bring 
shame and disgrace.
SECOND PART: GOD'S WISDOM 
IN HISTORY{/}

WONDERS OF NATURE{/}

{I}15_{/}Now I Shall 
remind you of the works 
of The Lord and relate 
what I have seen.
The Lord's works depend 
on his word, and creation 
obeys his will.
{I}16_{/}The sun shines 
on everything and the 
work of the Lord is 
filled with his glory.
{I}17_{/}Not even to his 
holy ones has the Lord 
given full knowledge of 
all his marvelous works.
The Lord, Master of the 
universe, has ordained 
that all should stand 
firm in his glory.
{I}18_{/}He penetrates 
both the depth of the 
abyss and the human heart 
and knows their secrets.
For the Most High has 
full knowledge and 
ordains the signs of the 
heavens.
{I}19_{/}He knows the 
past and foretells the 
future and reveals the 
traces of the world's 
mysteries.
{I}20_{/}No thought 
escapes him, no word is 
hidden from him.
{I}21_{/}He has ordered 
the marvelous works of 
his wisdom, from ever and 
for ever. Nothing can be 
added, nothing can be 
taken away and he has no 
need of counsel.
{I}22_{/}All his works 
are beautiful, even to 
the smallest spark of 
light.
{I}23_{/}All this lives 
and endures forever: all 
is useful and obedient to 
his will.
{I}24_{/}All things are 
in pairs, one opposite 
the other, and nothing he 
makes is in any way 
deficient.
{I}25_{/}One thing 
emphasizes the excellence 
of the other; who could 
ever weary of admiring 
his glory?
{1}43{/}

{I}1_{/}The pride of the 
heights above is the 
clear firmament. How 
glorious is the spectacle 
of the heavens!
{I}2_{/}When the sun 
rises and appears, it 
proclaims: "I am your 
marvelous work, Most 
High!"
{I}3_{/}At noon, it dries 
up the land; who can bear 
its burning heat?
{I}4_{/}You may stoke a 
furnace to produce heat, 
but three times greater 
is the heat of the sun 
burning the mountains, 
and sending out fiery 
vapors, blinding the eyes 
with its rays.

{I}5_{/}How great is the 
Lord who made it and 
whose word directs its 
rapid course!
{I}6_{/}He also made the 
moon, exact in marking 
the months and the 
passage of time. 
{I}7_{/}With its full 
light gradually 
decreasing, the moon 
determines and rules over 
the feast days. 
{I}8_{/}The month also 
takes its name from the 
moon. How marvelously 
does it increase in its 
phases, providing a 
signal for the heavenly 
hosts, brightly shining 
in the expanse of the 
sky!
{I}9_{/}The bright 
radiance of the stars 
accounts for the beauty 
of the sky. What a 
brilliant ornament they 
are for the heights of 
the Lord!
{I}10_{/}At the command 
of the All Holy they 
stand as appointed and 
never fail to keep watch.
{I}11_{/}Look at the 
rainbow and praise the 
One who made it. How 
magnificent it is in 
splendor!
{I}12_{/}It forms a 
circle of glory in the 
sky, a bow that is bent 
by the hands of its 
Maker.
{I}13_{/}At his order the 
snow falls and lightning 
strikes according to his 
decrees.
{I}14_{/}The storerooms 
of heaven are opened and 
clouds fly away like 
birds.
{I}15_{/}It is his power 
that thickens the clouds, 
making them freeze and 
break into hailstones.
{I}16a_{/}He has only to 
look and the mountains 
are shaken; {I}17a_{/}the 
voice of his thunder 
terrifies the earth.
{I}16b_{/}At his will the 
south wind blows, 
{I}17b_{/}as do cyclones 
and hurricanes from the 
north.
{I}18_{/}The snow 
flutters down like birds 
and alights on the ground 
like locusts.
The eye marvels at the 
beauty of its whiteness 
and the mind is amazed to 
see it fall.
{I}19_{/}He sprinkles 
frost on the earth like 
salt; it freezes and 
becomes like thorny 
spikes.
{I}20_{/}The cold north 
wind blows and turns the 
water into ice.
Ice forms on all stagnant 
water giving it a 
freezing coat of armor.
{I}21_{/}He wears down 
the mountains and 
scorches the desert, 
withering the green grass 
as if by fire.
{I}22_{/}A mist is a 
timely remedy, and dew 
after the heat restores 
it all to life.
{I}23_{/}According to his 
plan he stilled the great 
deep and planted islands 
in it.
{I}24_{/}Those who cross 
the seas tell of its 
dangers, and we listen in 
astonishment to what they 
relate:
{I}25_{/}It is all about 
strange and marvelous 
adventures with marine 
animals and monsters of 
all kinds.
{I}26_{/}Thanks be to 
God, all turns out well 
and everything is held 
together by his word.
{I}27_{/}We shall not 
give further examples; 
one last word: He is 
everything.
{I}28_{/}Where shall we 
find the strength to 
glorify him? For he is 
the Mighty One, greater 
than all his works.
{I}29_{/}The Lord is 
awesome and sovereignly 
great, and admirable in 
his power.
{I}30_{/}Let your praise 
exalt the Lord as best 
you can, he is greater 
than you could even 
express.
Honor him with all your 
strength and do not tire, 
for you can never praise 
him enough.
{I}31_{/}Who has seen him 
and can describe what he 
has seen? Who can glorify 
him as he merits?
{I}32_{/}Many mysteries 
greater than these still 
remain, for we have only 
seen a fraction of his 
works.
The Lord has created all 
things and to upright men 
he has given wisdom.
IN PRAISE OF ANCESTORS{/}

{1}44{/}

{I}1_{/}Let us now 
glorify illustrious men, 
the ancestors of our 
people.
{I}2_{/}The Lord gave 
them great glory 
according to his own 
greatness from the 
beginning.
{I}3_{/}Some ruled 
kingdoms and were 
renowned for their 
achievements, others were 
wise and able to counsel, 
or spoke as prophets.
{I}4_{/}They led the 
people with their 
warnings or with their 
knowledge of the popular 
writings.
{I}5_{/}Some cultivated 
music and poetry, 
{I}6_{/}others were rich 
and powerful men living 
peacefully in their 
homes.
{I}7_{/}All were highly 
respected in their days 
and honored by the people 
they lived with.
{I}8_{/}The names of some 
lived on and people still 
praise them today; 
{I}9_{/}others are not 
remembered and have 
disappeared as if they 
never existed. It is the 
same for their children.
{I}10_{/}But now consider 
the godly men whose good 
deeds have not been 
forgotten. {I}11_{/}Those 
who came after them 
benefited from the rich 
legacy they left; 
{I}12_{/}their race 
remained faithful to the 
Covenant, their children 
followed their example. 
{I}13_{/}Their family 
will endure forever and 
never will its glory be 
tarnished. {I}14_{/}Their 
bodies were buried in 
peace but their memory 
lives through 
generations. 
{I}15_{/}Peoples will 
speak of their wisdom and 
the assembly will 
celebrate their praise.
{I}16_{/}Enoch pleased 
the Lord and was taken 
up, calling future 
generations to 
repentance.
{I}17_{/}Noah was found 
to be perfectly just; at 
the time of divine anger 
he was the ransom; 
through him a remnant was 
left on earth after the 
flood. {I}18_{/}Eternal 
covenants were made with 
him to ensure that never 
again would life be 
destroyed by flood.
ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND 
JACOB{/}

{I}19_{/}No one has been 
found to equal Abraham in 
glory, the great ancestor 
of many nations. 
{I}20_{/}He was faithful 
to the Law of the Most 
High who made a covenant 
with him, a covenant that 
was marked on his flesh, 
and on the day he was 
tested he was found 
faithful. {I}21_{/}That 
is why God promised by 
oath to bless all the 
nations through his 
descendants, that he 
would make them as 
numerous as the dust of 
the earth and exalt his 
posterity like the stars. 
He promised that their 
land would stretch from 
sea to sea, from the 
River to the ends of the 
earth.
{I}22_{/}The Lord renewed 
his Covenant with Isaac 
for the sake of his 
father, Abraham. 
{I}23_{/}This Covenant 
and the blessing of all 
mankind he made to rest 
on the head of Jacob.
He assured Jacob of his 
blessing, giving him the 
land that would be his 
and determining the 
portions to be shared 
among the twelve tribes.
MOSES, AARON{/}

{1}45{/}

{I}1_{/}From Jacob's 
descendants the Lord 
brought forth an upright 
man who won the favor of 
everyone and was loved by 
God and men - Moses. 
Blessed be his memory! 
{I}2_{/}The Lord gave him 
glory equal to his holy 
angels and power that 
terrified his enemies. 
{I}3_{/}At Moses' word he 
halted disaster; the Lord 
exalted him in the 
presence of kings. He 
gave him commandments for 
his people and let him 
glimpse something of his 
glory.
{I}4_{/}He chose him from 
among the living to 
become holy by being 
faithful and humble. 
{I}5_{/}God let him hear 
his voice and led him 
into darkness, where face 
to face he gave him the 
commandments, the law of 
life and knowledge, to 
teach Jacob the covenant 
and make his decrees 
known to Israel.
{I}6_{/}He raised up 
Aaron, the brother of 
Moses, a holy man like 
Moses, of the tribe of 
Levi. {I}7_{/}He made an 
eternal covenant with him 
and conferred on him the 
priesthood of the people.
He honored him by giving 
him majesty and putting a 
glorious robe upon him. 
{I}8_{/}His vestments and 
ornaments were splendid 
in their perfection - 
breeches, cloak and 
ephod. {I}9_{/}As a 
fringe to his vestment he 
gave him pomegranates and 
many golden bells to 
tinkle as he walked and 
to be heard in the Temple 
as a reminder to the sons 
of his people. 
{I}10_{/}The Lord gave 
Aaron sacred vestments of 
gold, blue and purple, 
the work of artists, the 
pectoral of judgment, the 
Urim and Thummim, scarlet 
yarn spun by a craftsman, 
{I}11_{/}precious stones 
with engravings in a 
setting of gold, the work 
of a jeweler, to serve as 
a memorial with their 
graven inscriptions of 
the tribes of Israel. 
{I}12_{/}He gave him the 
turban with a golden 
diadem engraved with the 
words of his 
consecration, a superb 
ornament, expertly 
crafted and a delight to 
the eyes.
{I}13_{/}Such things had 
never been seen before 
Aaron's time; no outsider 
ever put them on or ever 
will, only his children 
and descendants.
{I}14_{/}His sacrifices 
were to be completely 
burned twice daily, in 
perpetuity. 
{I}15_{/}It was Moses who 
consecrated him and 
anointed him with holy 
oil. It was for him an 
eternal covenant and for 
his descendants, for as 
long as the heavens would 
last, to serve the Lord 
as his priests and bless 
the people in his name. 
{I}16_{/}He chose him 
from among all the living 
to offer sacrifice to the 
Lord and sweet smelling 
incense as a memorial, to 
make atonement for the 
people.
{I}17_{/}The Lord gave 
him authority to 
interpret his 
commandments and utter 
decisions, to teach Jacob 
the divine words and 
enlighten Israel with his 
Law. {I}18_{/}Outsiders 
conspired against him and 
were jealous of him in 
the desert - Dathan, 
Abiram and their 
followers and the 
supporters of Korah, all 
violent men full of hate. 
{I}19_{/}The Lord saw it 
and was angry; in his 
wrath he destroyed them. 
He wrought wonders 
against them, consuming 
them in the flames of 
fire.
{I}20_{/}He increased 
Aaron's glory by giving 
him a heritage. He 
allotted to him the first 
fruits and to begin with, 
bread in abundance. 
{I}21_{/}For their food 
is the sacrifice offered 
to the Lord, which he 
gave to Aaron and his 
descendants.
{I}22_{/}But he was to 
inherit no land as 
patrimony, no special 
portion was to be his 
own, for the Lord himself 
is his portion and 
inheritance.
PHINEHAS{/}

{I}23_{/}As for Phinehas, 
son of Eleazar, he is the 
third in glory, for he 
was full of zeal in the 
fear of the Lord when he 
stood firm among a 
rebellious people with 
noble courage and made 
atonement for Israel.
{I}24_{/}Consequently, a 
covenant of peace was 
concluded with him, 
making him the leader of 
the sanctuary and of his 
people. He and his 
descendants were to have 
the dignity of high 
priesthood forever. 
{I}25_{/}It is not like 
the covenant established 
with David, the son of 
Jesse, of the tribe of 
Judah, for the kingship 
passes only from father 
to one of his sons, but 
the heritage of Aaron 
passes to all his 
descendants.
{I}26_{/}May the Lord 
give them wisdom of heart 
to judge his people with 
justice, so that their 
prosperity may not 
dwindle and their glory 
may live on in their 
descendants!
JOSHUA AND THE JUDGES{/}

{1}46{/}

{I}1_{/}Joshua, son of 
Nun, was a valiant  
arrior and as a prophet 
he was the successor of 
Moses. He lived up to his 
name, proving himself to 
be a savior of God's 
chosen people, punishing 
the enemies that attacked 
them and leading Israel 
to claim their land.
{I}2_{/}How magnificent 
to see him, arm raised 
and with sword ready to 
attack the cities!
{I}3_{/}Who before him 
had such staying power? 
He was, indeed, Yahweh's 
warrior. {I}4_{/}Was it 
not he who held back the 
sun, making one day as 
long as two? {I}5_{/}He 
called on the Most High 
when the enemy pressed on 
every side, and the 
Mighty Lord responded 
with hailstones of 
exceptional size. 
{I}6_{/}He attacked the 
enemy nation and 
destroyed the assailants 
at the pass of Beth-
horan, so that the 
nations might know the 
strength of Joshua and 
that they were fighting 
against the Lord.
{I}7_{/}Joshua was loyal 
and devoted to the 
Almighty in the time of 
Moses, he and Caleb, son 
of Jephunneh. They stood 
firm against the assembly 
and tried to keep them 
from sinning by silencing 
their wicked murmuring.
{I}8_{/}Because of this, 
they were the only two 
spared out of six hundred 
thousand people on foot. 
And they took possession 
of their inheritance in a 
land flowing with milk 
and honey.
{I}9_{/}The Lord gifted 
Caleb with strength; this 
he enjoyed to the end of 
his days, and he went 
into the hill country 
that was given to his 
children in heritage. 
{I}10_{/}With this it was 
clear to all Israel that 
it is good to follow the 
Lord. {I}11_{/}After that 
came the judges. Although 
each of them won his own 
renown, all were men of 
faithful heart who did 
not turn away from the 
Lord. Blessed be their 
memory! {I}12_{/}May 
their bones spring to 
life from the tomb and 
the names of these 
illustrious men live on 
in their children!
SAMUEL{/}

{I}13_{/}Samuel was a 
prophet and beloved of 
the Lord. He established 
the kingdom and anointed 
rulers to govern his 
people.
{I}14_{/}He judged the 
assembly according to the 
Law of the Lord and the 
Lord protected Jacob. 
{I}15_{/}He was accepted 
as prophet because of his 
faithfulness, and proved 
that his words were of a 
trustworthy seer.
{I}16_{/}He called on the 
Almighty Lord when the 
enemy pressed from all 
directions and he offered 
a sucking lamb.
{I}17_{/}Then with a 
mighty roar the Lord 
thundered from heaven 
{I}18_{/}and destroyed 
all the enemy's leaders 
and the tyrants of 
Philistia.
{I}19_{/}Before his time 
came for eternal rest, 
Samuel called men to 
witness before the Lord 
and his anointed: "I have 
not taken anyone's 
belongings, not even his 
sandals," and there was 
no one to accuse him.
{I}20_{/}Even after he 
died, he prophesied and 
revealed to the king his 
death. From the grave he 
spoke as a prophet to 
blot out the wickedness 
of his people.
DAVID{/}

{1}47{/}

{I}1_{/}After him the 
Lord raised Nathan to 
prophesy in the time of 
David.
{I}2_{/}As fat is 
selected from the peace 
offering, so David was 
chosen from among the 
Israelites.
{I}3_{/}He played with 
lions and bears as if 
they were lambs or young 
goats.
{I}4_{/}He was still 
young when he slew a 
giant to restore the 
honor of his people; with 
a sling he aimed a stone 
that killed the arrogant 
Goliath.
{I}5_{/}He invoked the 
Lord Most High, who gave 
him strength to slay a 
mighty warrior, and so 
exalt the power of his 
people.
{I}6_{/}So they glorified 
him for his ten thousands 
and praised him as a 
blessing from the Lord 
when he was chosen king.
{I}7_{/}For he wiped out 
his enemies on all sides 
and annihilated his 
adversaries, the 
Philistines, crushing 
their power forever.
{I}8_{/}In all that he 
did he gave thanks to the 
Most High, and showed his 
love for his Maker by 
singing with all his 
heart.
{I}9_{/}He placed singers 
accompanied by harps 
before the altar to make 
beautiful music; 
{I}10_{/}he gave splendor 
to feasts and even 
greater magnificence to 
the more solemn 
occasions, exalting the 
holy Name of the Lord and 
having the sanctuary ring 
with his praises from 
early morning.
{I}11_{/}The Lord forgave 
David's sins and 
established his power 
forever; he made a 
covenant with him for the 
benefit of the kings and 
gave him a glorious 
throne in Israel.
SOLOMON{/}

{I}12_{/}A wise son 
succeeded him and fared 
well because of him.
{I}13_{/}Solomon reigned 
during times of peace, 
and God gave him rest 
from war to enable him to 
build a house for his 
Name, a sanctuary that 
would stand forever.
{I}14_{/}How wise you 
were in your youth, 
Solomon! as full of 
understanding as a river. 
{I}15_{/}Your spirit 
covered the earth, you 
filled it with proverbs 
and parables. 
{I}16_{/}Your reputation 
reached distant islands 
and you were loved for 
your peace. {I}17_{/}Your 
songs, proverbs, parables 
and interpretation drew 
the admiration of the 
world.
{I}18_{/}In the name of 
the Lord God, called the 
God of Israel, you 
accumulated gold like tin 
and gathered silver like 
lead.
{I}19_{/}But you gave 
your body to women and 
became the slave of your 
senses; {I}20_{/}you 
stained your reputation 
and defiled your 
descendants, bringing 
wrath and disaster upon 
your children because of 
your foolishness.
{I}21_{/}So the nation 
was divided; from Ephraim 
came a kingdom in revolt.
{I}22_{/}But God's mercy 
never fails nor does he 
forget his promises; he 
did not deprive his 
chosen one of descendants 
nor destroy the race of 
the one he loved. So to 
Jacob he gave a remnant 
and allowed David's 
family to survive.
{I}23_{/}Solomon rested 
with his forefathers and 
left one of his sons to 
rule after him, the most 
foolish of men and 
without intelligence; 
this was Rehoboam who 
drove the people to 
rebellion.
{I}24_{/}As for Jeroboam, 
son of Nebat, it was he 
who caused Israel to sin 
and taught Ephraim the 
way of evil.
From then on their sins 
increased and later 
brought about their 
exile, {I}25_{/}for they 
were intent on doing 
every sort of evil until 
vengeance fell on them.
ELIJAH AND ELISHA{/}

{1}48{/}

{I}1_{/}Then came the 
prophet Elijah like a 
fire, his words a burning 
torch.
{I}2_{/}He brought a 
famine on the people and 
in his zealous love had 
them reduced in number.
{I}3_{/}Speaking in the 
name of the Lord he 
closed the heavens, and 
on three occasions called 
down fire.
{I}4_{/}How marvelous you 
were, Elijah, in your 
wondrous deeds! Who could 
ever boast of being your 
equal? {I}5_{/}By the 
word of the Most High you 
brought a dead man back 
to life; {I}6_{/}you 
brought kings to 
destruction and thrust 
famous men from their 
beds.
{I}7_{/}You heard a 
rebuke at Sinai and 
sentences of punishment 
at Horeb; {I}8_{/}you 
anointed kings to be 
avengers and prophets to 
succeed you. 
{I}9_{/}You were taken up 
by a whirlwind of flames 
in a chariot drawn by 
fiery horses.
{I}10_{/}It was written 
that you should be the 
one to calm God's anger 
in the future before it 
broke out in fury, to 
turn the hearts of 
fathers to their sons and 
to restore the tribes of 
Jacob.
{I}11_{/}Happy are those 
who will see you and 
those who die in love, 
for we too shall live.
{I}12_{/}Such was Elijah, 
taken up in a whirlwind, 
and Elisha was filled 
with his spirit.
During his life no leader 
could shake him, no one 
dominated him. 
{I}13_{/}Nothing was too 
difficult for him and 
even in death his body 
prophesied. {I}14_{/}In 
life he worked wonders, 
in death his deeds were 
amazing.
{I}15_{/}Despite all 
this, the people were not 
converted and did not 
turn away from sin; not 
until they were deported 
far from their country 
and scattered over the 
earth.
{I}16_{/}The people were 
greatly reduced in number 
but they still had a 
ruler from the line of 
David. Some of them were 
upright people, others 
became sinful.
{I}17_{/}Hezekiah 
fortified his city and 
brought water within its 
walls, tunneling the rock 
with iron tools to 
construct cisterns.
{I}18_{/}During his reign 
Sennacherib began his 
campaigns and sent off 
Rabshakeh, and insolent 
and arrogant as he was, 
he raised his arm against 
Zion.
{I}19_{/}Then their 
courage was shaken, their 
hands trembled, they felt 
anguish like women in 
labor. {I}20_{/}They 
stretched out their hands 
and called on the 
merciful Lord.
From heaven the Holy One 
quickly heard them and 
saved them by the hand of 
Isaiah. {I}21_{/}The Lord 
struck the Assyrian camp 
and his angel wiped them 
out.
{I}22_{/}For Hezekiah did 
what was pleasing to the 
Lord and was firm in 
following the ways of 
David, his father, as the 
great and faithful 
prophet Isaiah ordered, a 
man of trustworthy 
vision.
{I}23_{/}In his time the 
sun went back and he 
lengthened the life of 
the king.
{I}24_{/}In the power of 
the spirit he foresaw the 
last things and consoled 
the afflicted people of 
Zion. {I}25_{/}He 
revealed what would 
happen until the end of 
time and made hidden 
events known before they 
occurred.
OTHER KINGS AND 
PROPHETS{/}

{1}49{/}

{I}1_{/}The memory of 
Josiah is like blended 
incense carefully 
prepared by the perfumer; 
it is like delicious 
honey to every mouth, 
like music during a 
banquet.
{I}2_{/}He followed the 
right way in converting 
the people and removing 
the horror of idolatry. 
{I}3_{/}He set his heart 
on the Lord and succeeded 
in having godliness 
prevail over wickedness.
{I}4_{/}With the 
exception of David, 
Hezekiah and Josiah, the 
kings were very sinful 
men. they abandoned the 
Law of the Most High 
bringing an end to the 
kings of Judah.
{I}5_{/}They surrendered 
their power and their 
honor to foreign nations. 
{I}6_{/}Their enemies set 
fire to the holy city, 
making its streets 
desolate {I}7_{/}as 
Jeremiah had foretold.
{I}8_{/}It was Ezekiel 
who saw the vision of 
Glory when the Lord 
showed it to him above 
the chariot of the 
cherubim. {I}9_{/}He also 
remembered Job, the one 
who always followed the 
way of justice.
{I}10_{/}As for the 
twelve prophets, may 
their bones spring to 
life from the tomb, for 
they comforted the people 
of Jacob and saved them 
with confident hope.
{I}11_{/}Can we ever 
adequately praise 
Zerubbabel who was like a 
ring at the finger of 
God, and 
{I}12_{/}likewise Joshua, 
son of Jozadak? They were 
men who, in their days, 
built the Temple to the 
Lord, a sanctuary 
destined for everlasting 
glory. {I}13_{/}Lasting 
too is the memory of 
Nehemiah, who rebuilt our 
ruined walls, provided 
gates and bars and 
rebuilt our homes.
{I}14_{/}No one on earth 
was created to equal 
Enoch for he was taken up 
from the earth.
{I}15_{/}And never was 
there a man like Joseph, 
the greatest among his 
brothers, the leader of 
his people; his bones 
were honored.
{I}16_{/}Shem and Seth 
were exalted among men, 
but Adam's glory was 
greater than any other 
living being.
SIMON THE PRIEST{/}

{1}50{/}

{I}1_{/}The High Priest 
Simon, son of Onias, 
repaired the sanctuary 
and fortified the Temple 
during his lifetime.
{I}2_{/}He laid the 
foundations for the high 
double wall and for the 
fortifications 
surrounding the Temple.
{I}3_{/}In his days a 
reservoir for water, a 
cistern as great as a 
sea, was excavated.
{I}4_{/}Anxious lest his 
people might perish, he 
fortified the city 
against a siege.
{I}5_{/}How magnificent 
he was when, surrounded 
by his people, he emerged 
from the inner sanctuary 
{I}6_{/}like the morning 
star amidst the clouds, 
like the full moon, 
{I}7_{/}like the sun 
shining on the Temple of 
the Most High or a 
rainbow in a glory of 
clouds!
{I}8_{/}He was like a 
rose in spring, a lily 
beside a stream, a green 
shoot on a summer day, 
{I}9_{/}or incense 
burning in the censer.
He could be likened to a 
massive, golden vase 
adorned with every kind 
of precious stone, 
{I}10_{/}to an olive tree 
heavy with fruit, or to a 
cypress rising to the 
clouds, {I}11_{/}when, 
robed in ceremonial garb 
and in perfect splendor, 
he went to the sacred 
altar filling the court 
of the sanctuary with 
glory.
{I}12_{/}There he would 
receive from the hand of 
the priests the portions 
of the sacrifice, as he 
stood by the hearth of 
the altar encircled by 
his brethren like a young 
cedar on Lebanon.
{I}13_{/}It was as if he 
was surrounded by palm 
trees when all the sons 
of Aaron in their 
splendor, with the 
offerings to the Lord in 
their hands, stood before 
the assembly of Israel.
{I}14_{/}When he had 
completed the service at 
the altar and presented 
with dignity the offering 
to the Almighty and Most 
High, {I}15_{/}he took 
the cup in his hand and 
poured out a libation of 
the juice of the grape at 
the foot of the altar, a 
pleasing aroma to the 
Most High, King of the 
world.
{I}16_{/}Then the sons of 
Aaron shouted; they blew 
their trumpets of solid 
silver, making a great 
noise as a memorial 
before the Most high.
{I}17_{/}Then suddenly 
all the people bowed down 
with their faces to the 
ground and adored the 
Lord, the Almighty and 
most High God.
{I}18_{/}The choir as 
well sang his praises, 
making beautiful music. 
{I}19_{/}And the people 
made supplication to the 
Most High and prayed to 
their merciful Lord, 
until the ceremony was 
over and the service of 
the Lord completed.
{I}20_{/}The High Priest 
then came down and raised 
his hands towards the 
whole assembly of the 
people of Israel to give 
them in a loud voice the 
blessing of the Lord and 
to have the honor of 
pronouncing his name.
{I}21_{/}Then for a 
second time the people 
bowed in worship to 
receive the blessing of 
the Most High:
{I}22_{/}"And now, bless 
the Lord of the universe 
who everywhere does great 
things, who exalts our 
days from birth and is 
merciful to us. 
{I}23_{/}May he give us 
happiness and grant peace 
to Israel in our days and 
forever!
{I}24_{/}May he continue 
to give us his blessings 
and be a savior to us in 
our days."
{I}25_{/}There are two 
nations I greatly 
dislike, the third is not 
a nation: {I}26_{/}they 
are the inhabitants of 
Mount Seir, the 
Philistines and the 
foolish people who live 
in Shechem.
{I}27_{/}Instruction in 
understanding and 
knowledge, that is what 
Jesus the son of Sira, 
the son of Eleazar of 
Jerusalem, has written in 
this book as he poured 
out the wisdom of his 
heart.
{I}28_{/}Happy the one 
who pays attention to 
this teaching and gains 
wisdom by taking it to 
heart.
{I}29_{/}Doing that, he 
will be strong in all 
circumstances, for the 
light of the Lord is his 
path.
PRAYER OF JESUS, SON OF 
SIRACH{/}

{1}51{/}

{I}1_{/}I will give 
thanks to you,  O Lord 
and King; I praise you, 
my God and Savior, I give 
thanks to your Name.
{I}2_{/}For you are my 
protector and helper, you 
have delivered my body 
from destruction, from 
the snare of the wicked 
tongue and from lips that 
speak lies.
In the presence of those 
who stood against me, you 
were my helper, my 
deliverer.
{I}3_{/}In the fullness 
of mercy and the glory of 
your Name, you delivered 
me from the teeth of 
those ready to devour me, 
from the hand of those 
wanting to take my life 
and from my many trials. 
{I}4_{/}You rescued me 
from choking fire on 
every side; you saved me 
from a fire I had not 
kindled.
{I}5_{/}You delivered me 
from the depths of the 
netherworld, from an 
impure tongue and lying 
words, {I}6_{/}from 
vicious slander reported 
to the king. I was near 
to death, I was already 
at the gates of the 
netherworld.
{I}7_{/}They surrounded 
me on every side with no 
one to help me. I looked 
for human comfort and 
there was none.
{I}8_{/}Then, Lord, I 
remembered your mercy and 
your deeds from all 
eternity, knowing that 
you deliver those who 
hope in you and save them 
from the hands of their 
enemies.
{I}9_{/}I sent up my 
prayer from the earth, 
begging to be delivered 
from death.
{I}10_{/}I called on the 
Lord, the Father of my 
Lord: "Do not forsake me 
in the day of my 
affliction, when I am 
helpless against arrogant 
enemies; I will praise 
your name continually and 
sing to you my 
thanksgiving."
{I}11_{/}And my prayer 
was heard, you saved me 
from destruction and 
delivered me from an evil 
plight.
{I}12_{/}That is why I 
will give you thanks and 
praise and bless the Name 
of the Lord.
{I}13_{/}In my youth, 
before I set out on my 
travels, I openly sought 
wisdom in prayer; 
{I}14_{/}before the 
Temple I asked for her 
and I will pursue her to 
the end of my days.
{I}15_{/}While she 
blossomed like a ripening 
cluster, my heart was 
delighted in her; my feet 
followed the right path, 
because from my youth I 
searched for her.
{I}16_{/}As soon as I 
began listening to her 
she was given to me, and 
with her, much 
instruction.
{I}17_{/}With her help I 
made progress and I will 
glorify him who gives me 
wisdom, {I}18_{/}for I 
decided to put it into 
practice and ardently 
seek what is good. I 
shall not regret it.
{I}19_{/}My soul has 
struggled to possess her. 
I have been attentive to 
observe the Law, and 
after my faults I have 
stretched out my hands to 
heaven and lamented my 
ignorance of her.
{I}20_{/}My love of her 
increased and I found her 
in repentance. It was 
through her from the 
beginning that I learned 
to possess my heart. She 
will not forsake me.
{I}21_{/}With my whole 
being I sought her; that 
is why I won what is 
best.
{I}22_{/}In return for 
this, the Lord has given 
me words to praise him.
{I}23_{/}come near, you 
who are without 
understanding and join 
her school.
{I}24_{/}Why do you say 
you are deprived of all 
this and that your souls 
are thirsty?
{I}25_{/}This is what I 
say: Buy this without 
money; {I}26_{/}put your 
neck under her yoke and 
let your minds receive 
instruction; it is very 
near and within your 
reach.
{I}27_{/}See for 
yourselves: my toil has 
been slight and I found 
deep rest.
{I}28_{/}Be instructed, 
whatever the cost, and 
you will gain what is 
better than gold.

{I}29_{/}Let your soul 
find joy in the mercy of 
the Lord, and do not be 
ashamed to praise him.
{I}30_{/}Do your work 
within the appointed 
time, and the Lord in his 
time will give you your 
reward.

