1
Great occupation was created for every Adam, and a heavy yoke upon the sons of Adam, from the day they go out from their mother’s womb until the day they return to the mother of all.
2
Their thoughts, fear of heart, anxious expectation, and the day of completion—
3
from one sitting upon a throne of splendor to one humbled in earth and ashes,
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from one wearing blue-purple and a crown to one clothed in coarse linen— wrath, jealousy, disturbance, agitation, fear of death, resentment, and strife.
5
Even at the appointed time of rest upon a bed, sleep at night alters his knowledge.
6
He has little rest, almost nothing; then in dreams he is as on a day of watch, troubled by the vision of his heart like one fleeing from the face of war.
7
At his appointed time of need he awakens and marvels that the fear was nothing.
8
This comes with all flesh, from Adam to beast, and upon sinners sevenfold more:
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death and blood, strife and sword, visitations, famine, destruction, and lash.
10
All these were created against the lawless, and because of them the flood came.
11
All things from earth return to earth, and what is from waters returns to the sea.
12
Every bribe and injustice shall be wiped away, but trustworthiness stands unto the age.
13
The possessions of the unjust dry up like a river and sound out like great thunder in rain.
14
When a righteous one opens his hands he rejoices, but transgressors fade away at completion.
15
The offspring of the profane do not multiply branches; unclean roots are upon sheer rock.
16
Reeds beside every water and riverbank are plucked before any grass.
17
Favor is like a garden within blessings, and righteous generosity remains unto the age.
18
The life of one self-sufficient and working is made sweet, and above both is one who finds treasure.
19
Children and building a city establish a name, and above both is an ishah without blemish.
20
Wine and music make the heart rejoice, and above both is love of Wisdom.
21
Flute and lyre sweeten melody, and above both is a pleasant tongue.
22
The eye desires favor and beauty, and above both the green shoot of grain.
23
Companion and associate meet in an appointed time, and above both is an ishah with her husband.
24
Brothers and help come in an appointed time of distress, and above both righteous generosity delivers.
25
Gold and silver establish the foot, and above both counsel is esteemed.
26
Possessions and strength raise the heart, and above both is reverence of Yahuah. Within reverence of Yahuah there is no loss, and within it there is no need to seek help.
27
Reverence of Yahuah is like a garden of blessing and covers an Adam above every splendor.
28
My son, do not live a life of begging; better to die than to beg.
29
An ish looking toward another’s table does not count his life as life. He defiles his being with another’s foods; but an ish who knows and is instructed guards himself.
30
Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless, but fire burns within his belly.