1
No evil shall meet one who reveres Yahuah; even in testing he shall again be delivered.
2
A wise ish does not hate Torah, but one acting hypocritically within it is like a vessel in a storm.
3
An Adam who understands trusts Torah, and Torah is trustworthy to him like an evident oracle.
4
Prepare a word, and so you shall be heard; bind instruction together, and then answer.
5
The inward parts of a fool are like a wagon wheel, and his reasoning like a turning axle.
6
A mocking companion is like a stallion in mating: he neighs beneath everyone who sits upon him.
7
Why does one day surpass another when all the daylight of the year comes from the sun?
8
By the knowledge of Yahuah they were distinguished, and He altered appointed times and feasts.
9
Some of them He lifted up and set apart, and some He placed among ordinary numbered days.
10
All sons of Adam are from the ground, and Adam was created from earth.
11
In the abundance of knowledge Yahuah distinguished them and altered their Ways.
12
Some of them He blessed and lifted up; some He set apart and drew near to Himself. Some He cursed and humbled and overturned from their standing.
13
Like clay in a potter’s hand—every shaping according to his Way— so are sons of Adam in the Hand of the One who made them, to repay them according to His Judgment.
14
Good stands opposite evil, and life opposite death; so the reverent stands opposite the sinner.
15
Thus behold all the works of El Elyon: two by two, one opposite another.
16
I also was last to keep watch, like one gleaning after grape-gatherers.
17
By the blessing of Yahuah I arrived first, and like one gathering grapes I filled the winepress.
18
Understand that I did not labor for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
19
Hear me, great ones of the people; rulers of the assembly, give ear.
20
To son or ishah, brother or companion, do not give authority over you while you live. Do not give your possessions to another, lest you regret it and make supplication for them.
21
While you still live and breath is within you, do not exchange yourself for any flesh.
22
For it is better that your children make supplication to you than that you look toward the hands of your sons.
23
In all your works remain the one governing; do not give a blemish to your splendor.
24
In the day completing the days of your life, and at the appointed time of death, distribute the inheritance.
25
Fodder, rod, and burdens belong to a donkey; bread, instruction, and work to a servant.
26
Work with a servant, and you shall find rest; loosen your hands toward him, and he shall seek freedom.
27
Yoke and strap bend the neck, and for an evil-working servant there are restraints and torments.
28
Put him to work so that he is not idle, for idleness teaches much evil.
29
Appoint him to works fitting for him; if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy.
30
Yet do not exceed measure against any flesh, and do nothing without Judgment.
31
If you have a servant, let him be as yourself, because you acquired him through blood.
32
If you have a servant, lead him as a brother, because you shall need him as your own being.
33
If you afflict him and he rises and runs away, upon what Way shall you seek him?