St. Augustine Mirror

The essay “Mirror from the Holy Scriptures” (“St. Augustine’s Mirror”) was written by Bl. Aurelius Augustine in 427. The treatise is a collection of moral teachings from the Bible (from the Book of Exodus to Revelation). The compilation of prescriptions from the Old and New Testaments was supposed to become a “mirror” for the faithful (in the sense in which the speculum principis, the mirror of the sovereign, was used in the Middle Ages). *The title of the work in Latin is Speculum. Contents From the book of the Law, which is called EXODUS From the book of LEVITICUS From NUMBERS From DEUTTERONOMY From the book of JOSHUA From PSALMS From the book of PROVERBS From the book of ECCLESIASTES From the book SONG OF SONG From the book of JOB From the book of HOSEA From the book of JOEL From the book of AMOS From the book of MICAHIAH From the book of ISAIAH From the book of JEREMIAH From the book of the prophet EZEKIEL From the book of WISDOM From the book EKKLE3IASTIK [The Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach] From the book of TOBIAH From the Gospel according to MATTHEW From the Gospel according to MARK From the Gospel according to LUKE From the Gospel according to JOHN From the book of THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES From the letter of the Blessed Apostle Paul to the Romans From the letter [I] of Blessed. Paul to the Corinthians From Epistle II Blessed. Paul to the Corinthians From the letter of Blessed. Paul to the Galatians From the Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Ephesians From the Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Philippians From the First Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Thessalonians From the II Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Thessalonians From the letter of Blessed. Paul to the Colossians From the Epistle of I Blessed. Paul to Timothy From the second letter of Blessed. Paul to Timothy From the epistles of Blessed. Paul to Titus From the letter of Blessed. Paul to Philemon From the Epistle to the Hebrews From the First Epistle of Peter From the II Epistle of Peter From the Epistle of James From the Epistle of I John From the First Epistle of JOHN From the III Epistle of JOHN From the Epistle of the Apostle JUDE From the Book of REVELATION OF JOHN …..there are objects of explanation for understanding them; these are, for example; Saturday for visible rest (Deut. V, 12), unleavened bread in the form of bread without leaven, Passover in the form of the slaughter of a lamb (Ex. XII), all kinds of sacrifices and forbidden foods, new moons and annual festivals, and those methods of justification that in the proper sense do not relate to works of righteousness, but are understood in some other meaning. Indeed, which Christian is now forced to set a slave free in the seventh year? and if he does not want to leave, then pierce his ear with an awl at the doorpost (Ex. XXI, 2-6) and so on? And the other thing that is written is such that it must be fulfilled even now if it was commanded to be fulfilled, or it should not be performed now if it is prohibited. These are precisely the commandments I mentioned above: Honor your father and mother and: Do not commit adultery - And now I have begun to compile a work about what is proposed in the Holy Books either in the form of a command, or in the form of a prohibition, or in the form of permission, so that now, i.e. in the New Testament, must be fulfilled for eternal life, and in order to relate to morals; so that, as far as God helps me, I can collect all this from the canonical saints. books and, as it were, brought into one mirror so that all this could be easily contemplated. Indeed, our writers had to arrange objects exactly as they are now arranged, that is, so that figurative instructions were combined with narratives and reasoning in their own [direct] meaning, and those having their own meaning - with figurative ones, since they either preserve the order of events, or give an answer to opponents, or teach students, or through the disclosure of the mysterious, those who treated with contempt the open and accessible for assimilation are renewed. But in this work we do not lead the infidel to faith, and do not edify him in it, and do not exercise the natural mind and tension of the students with some useful difficulties, but only convince the one who already believes and wants to obey God, so that he looks at himself here and carefully examines how successful he has been in good rights and deeds, and how much he still lacks. For in this way he can give thanks for what he already has, and ask for what he does not have, in order to have it in sufficient measure, and also apply the care and prayers of true piety to preserve it. And in all this that I have set out to expound, what seems to involve mutual contradiction must subsequently be explained and resolved through the questions proposed. Indeed, who does not know that the punishment for committing evil deeds and the rewards for good deeds - although I thought it necessary to mention only a few - in the New Testament are not the same as in the past? So, we will begin with the very Law that was given through Moses, a statement of the divine commandments, which we promised to restore to memory. From the book of the Law called EXODUS [Chapter XX]. Do not make for yourself any likeness (omnem similitudinem) of what is above in heaven, and what is on the earth below, or what is in the waters under the earth: do not bow down to it and do not pay homage [v. k, 5]. Then: Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not consider him innocent who takes the name of his Lord in vain [v. 7]. And a little later: Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God will give you. Don't kill. Don't commit adultery. Don't steal. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house, nor covet his wife, nor his slave, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that belongs to him [v. 12–17]. Then, after the decalogue, in other places of the same book there are the same instructions for life: do not make silver gods for yourselves next to Me, nor make gold gods for yourselves [v. 23]. And a little later (chapter XXI): Whoever strikes a person with the desire to kill, let him die. And whoever did not set up an ambush, but God delivered him into the hands of this one, then I will establish for you a place to which he must flee. But whoever deliberately kills his neighbor by setting up an ambush, tear him away from My altar, so that he may be killed. Whoever strikes his father and mother, let him die. Whoever steals a person and sells him, the one caught in the crime shall die. Whoever curses his father or mother shall die. If men quarrel, and one hits his neighbor with a stone or fist, and he does not die, but goes to bed; then if he gets up and begins to go out the door, leaning on the staff, in this case the one who struck the blow will be [considered] innocent; but at the same time let him reward for [stopping] his work and for the costs of the doctors. Whoever strikes a slave or maidservant with a stick [virga=pośra], and he becomes dead under his hands, he will be responsible for the crime; but if they survive for one day or two, then he will not be punished, for it is his money. If people quarrel, and someone hits a pregnant woman, and she has a premature miscarriage, but she herself remains alive, then [the culprit] will be subject to the punishment that the woman’s husband wishes, and whatever the judges will impose; if her death follows, then let [the culprit] give soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. If anyone strikes his slave or maid in the eye and makes them crooked, he should let him go free for the eye that he tore out. Likewise, if anyone knocks out a tooth of his slave or maidservant, let him in the same manner set him free. If an ox hits a man or a woman with its horn and they die, then let him be stoned, and let them not eat his meat, and the owner of the ox will not be guilty. But if the ox was hungry yesterday and the day before, and they told its owner about it, and he did not lock it up, but the latter kills the man or woman; then let the ox be stoned, and let its owner be put to death; if a ransom (praetium) is imposed on him, then let him give for his soul, no matter what is demanded of him. Also, if he hits his son or daughter with the horn, he will be subject to the same decision. If he attacks a slave or a maidservant, then [the owner] will pay the master [their] thirty shekels of silver; and let the ox be stoned. If anyone opens or digs a reservoir and does not cover it, and if an ox or a donkey falls into it, then the owner of the reservoir shall pay the price of the animals, and the fallen [animal] shall be his. If someone else's ox injures the ox of another owner, and this one falls dead, then let [the owners] sell the survivor and divide the proceeds among themselves, and divide the corpse of the fallen one among themselves. And if the owner of this ox knew that he was hungry both yesterday and the day before, and did not guard him; then he must give ox for ox, and take the whole corpse for himself. [Chapter XXII]: If anyone steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall compensate five oxen for one, an ox and four sheep for one sheep. If a thief is caught breaking into or undermining a house and dies from the blow received, then the one who struck will not be responsible for the [shed] blood. But if he does this after sunrise, then he has committed murder and let him die. If [the stealer] does not have the [opportunity] to repay what was stolen, then he will be sold [for ransom]. And if something is found on him that he stole from an animal (vivens): an ox or a donkey or a sheep, then let him reward it twice. If someone causes harm to either a field or a vineyard and releases his livestock, so that someone else’s property is poisoned, then, according to the assessment of the [caused] loss, let him compensate with what he has the best from his field or vineyard. If the fire that breaks out spreads to the ears of corn or engulfs the heaps of fruit or the harvest standing in the fields, then let the one who lit the fire compensate for the loss. If someone gives money or a vessel to a friend for safekeeping, and it is stolen from the one who accepted it [for safekeeping]; then, if the thief is found, let him pay twice, and if he hides, in this case, let the owner of the house be brought before the gods (ad deos) 1) and swear that he did not lay his hands on his neighbor’s things to commit deception; also about the will, as about a donkey and a sheep, or about clothing and anything else that can cause harm; and let the litigation of both sides reach the gods (ad deos), and if they award, then let him reward his neighbor twice. If someone gives his neighbor an ox, or a donkey, or an animal in general (omne) for safekeeping, and it falls or gets sick or is captured by enemies, and no one sees it, then let there be an oath between them that he did not stretch out his hand on what belongs to his neighbor, and let the owner [of the cattle] accept the oath, and let him not be forced to pay for the loss. If [the entrusted property] is stolen, then let him compensate for the loss. If it is torn to pieces by a wild beast, then let it take to the owner (eum) what was killed, and then it will not reward [him]. If someone asks his neighbor to borrow something from it, and it is either depleted or falls in the absence of the owner, then [the borrower] will be forced to pay. But if the owner of the taken animal is here (in praesentiarum), then let him not compensate [for the loss], especially if [the animal] was released to work for pay. If someone seduces a girl who is not betrothed and sleeps with her, then let him give her a dowry and take her as his wife; and if the girl’s father does not want to give [for him], then let him pay money according to the amount of dowry that girls usually receive. Do not tolerate villains alive. Whoever copulates with an animal, let him die. Whoever makes a sacrifice to the gods, except the Lord alone, must be put to death. Do not cause grief or burden to the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Do not harm the widow and the orphan; If you harm them, they will cry out to Me, and I will hear their cry, and My wrath will rage, and I will smite you with the sword, and your wives will be widows and your children orphans. If you lend money to my poor people who live with you, do not force them as a debt collector, and do not oppress them with interest. If you receive clothing from your neighbor as a pledge, then return it to him before sunset, for it is his only garment with which he covers himself, and he has no other in which he will sleep. If he cries to Me, I will hear him, for I am merciful. Do not slander the gods (diis) 2), and do not send curses to the ruler of your people. Do not be slack in bringing your tithes and firstfruits. The firstborn of your sons you will give to Me [v. 1–30]. And a little after [XXID]: Do not receive a lying word, and do not join your hands (i.e.: do not agree) to bear false witness in favor of the wicked. Do not follow the crowd to do evil, and in court do not agree with the opinion of the majority in order to deviate from the truth. [But] do not be merciful [excessively] to the poor in court proceedings. If you come across an ox or donkey belonging to your enemy that has gone astray, then lead it to him. If you see that a donkey belonging to your enemy is lying under weight, then do not pass by, but lighten it with him. Do not deviate [from the truth] in the investigation of the poor man's case. Avoid lying. Do not put to death the unrequited and truthful, for I will not spare [from punishment] a wicked man. Do not accept gifts that blind even the prudent and pervert the deeds of the righteous. Do not be a burden to the foreigner, for you know the state of the souls of strangers, since you yourself were foreigners in the land of Egypt (vv. 1-9). And then after some intermediate words, when it is said about strangers: Do not honor their gods and do not worship them. Do not do their works, but break them in pieces and break in pieces their images, and serve the Lord your God [v. 24, 25]. And then much later in the same book about the gods of the pagans (gentium) [ch. XXXIV]: But destroy their altars, crush their images and cut down their groves. Don't worship someone else's god. The Lord is jealous, His name is: God is jealous. Do not enter into an agreement with the people of those countries, lest someone invite you to partake of what was sacrificed to idols (immo-latis), when they commit fornication with their gods and worship their images. And do not take as wives for your sons one of their daughters, lest they cause your sons to commit fornication with their gods, after they themselves have committed adultery. Do not make cast gods for yourself. And a little later: You shall offer the firstfruits of your land in the house of the Lord your God [v. 13–17, 27]. This is what I found necessary to collect from the book of the Law, which is called Exodus. And now we will look in the same way in the next one - Leviticus. [Ch. ХVIII]: Every person, it says there, should not approach his neighbor by blood in order to reveal her shame [turpitudinem]. I am the Lord. Do not reveal the shame of your father and the shame of your mother: she is your mother; do not reveal her shame. Do not reveal the shame of your father’s wife, for this is the shame of your father. Do not reveal the shame of your sister by father or by mother, [sister] born in the house and outside the house. Do not reveal the shame of your son’s daughter or your daughter’s granddaughter, because it is your shame. Do not reveal the shame of your father’s wife’s daughter, who she bore to your father, and [therefore] to your sister. Do not reveal the shame of your father's sister, for it is your father's flesh. Do not reveal your sister’s shame to your mother, because it is your mother’s flesh. Do not reveal the shame of your father's brother and do not come to his wife, because she is united to you by closeness [of kinship]. Do not reveal the shame of your daughter-in-law, for she is your son’s wife: do not reveal her dishonor. Do not reveal the shame of your brother's wife, because it is your brother's shame. Do not reveal the shame of your wife and daughter. Do not take her son’s daughters and her daughter’s daughters [for yourself] to reveal her dishonor, because they are her flesh, and such copulation is incestuous [incestus – unclean, nasty]. Do not accept your wife’s sister for affection and do not reveal her shame while your wife is still alive. Do not come to a woman who has menstrua and do not reveal her uncleanness. Do not marry your neighbor's wife, and do not stain yourself by mixing seed. Do not give [fruit] from your seed so that it may be dedicated to Molech, and do not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. Do not associate with a man as with a woman (coitu femineo), for this is an abomination. Do not associate with any cattle and do not stain yourself with filthiness with them. A woman should not lie down under cattle or have intercourse with it, for this is a serious crime. Be not defiled in all this [v. 6–24]. And a little after [ch. XIX]: Let everyone fear his father and his mother [v. 3] And after one verse: Do not turn to idols and do not make for yourselves cast gods. I am the Lord your God. Don't steal. Don't tell lies. Let no one deceive his neighbor. Do not utter a false oath in My name and do not profane the name of the Lord your God. I am the Lord your God. Do not offend your neighbor and do not oppress him by force. Let not [the wages for] the work of your hired hand slack you until the morning. Do not speak evil of the deaf, and do not put a barrier before the blind, but fear the Lord your God, for I am the Lord; do not do anything unjust or judge unjustly. Do not look upon the face of the poor, and do not honor the face of the mighty: judge thy neighbor righteously. Do not be an accuser and informer among the people. Do not rebel against the blood of your neighbor. I am the Lord. Do not hate your brother in your heart, but reprove him publicly, so that you do not have sin for him. Do not seek revenge and do not remember the insults from your fellow citizens. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord; keep My laws [cent. 9–19]. And a little after. Do not eat with blood; do not guess [by birds] and do not pay attention to dreams. Do not cut your hair in circles or trim your beard. And [in memory of] the dead, do not make cuts on your body and do not make marks [brands] with a hot iron. I am the Lord. Do not defile your daughter [by fornication], lest the earth be defiled and filled with sin that requires cleansing [v. 25–29]. And one verse later: I am the Lord. Do not bow down to wizards, and do not ask fortune-tellers for anything, lest you become defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. Stand before the gray head and honor the face of the old man, and fear your God. I am the Lord your God. If a stranger lives in your land and lingers among you, do not upset him; but let him be among you as one born among you [indigene], and love him as yourself, for you too were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Do not do anything unjust in court, in rule, in weight, in measure. Let there be true correct scales, a correct quadrangle and a correct six [sextarius, Roman measure]. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Keep all My commandments and completely all My judgments and fulfill them. I am the Lord [v. 31–37]. [Ch. XX]: The Lord said to Moses: “Say this to the children of Israel: If any man from the children of Israel, and from the strangers living among Israel, gives [as a sacrifice] to the idol Molech from his seed, then he shall be put to death: the people of the country shall stone him, and I will set My face against him, and will destroy him from among his people, because he gives [as a sacrifice] to Molech and He will defile My sanctuary and profane My name. If the people of the earth, not caring [about this] and lowly valuing My sovereignty, let go of the man who would give of his seed [as a sacrifice] to Molech, and do not want to kill him; then I will set My face against that man and against his family, and I will destroy him and all those who are like-minded with him, because they committed fornication with Molech from among their people. If a soul inclines toward magicians and fortune-tellers and commits fornication with them, then I will set My face against it and destroy it from among its people. Sanctify yourself and be holy because you are holy. I am the Lord your God. Keep My commandments and do them. I am the Lord who sanctifies you. Whoever curses his father and his mother, let him be put to death: whoever curses his father and mother, let his blood be on him. If any man commits adultery with another's wife, and commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, then let both the adulterer and the adulterer be put to death. If anyone commits adultery with his stepmother and reveals the shame of his father, then let them both be put to death: their blood be on them. If anyone commits adultery with his daughter-in-law, then both of them will be put to death, for they have committed a terrible deed; - let their blood be on them. If anyone commits adultery with the male sex as with a woman (coitu femineo), then both have committed an unspeakable deed; let them be put to death: their blood be upon them. If someone besides the daughter also takes the mother as his wife; he committed a terrible deed, and may he be burned along with them, and so that such a great crime may not remain among you. Whoever marries a worker or small livestock shall be put to death; and kill the animal also. If a woman lies under any animal, put to death along with it; let their blood be on them. If anyone takes his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and sees her shame, and she sees her brother’s shame, then they have committed an unspeakable deed; May they be put to death in the presence of the people because they have revealed their shame to each other, and may they bear [their] iniquity. If anyone comes together with a woman during her menstrual bleeding and reveals her shame, and she reveals the source of her blood, then both of them shall be put to death from among their people. Do not reveal the shame of your maternal aunt and your paternal aunt. Whoever does this has exposed the shame of his flesh: let both bear their iniquity. If someone gets together with the wife of his paternal uncle and maternal uncle, and discovers the dishonor of a close relationship, then let them both bear their sin, let them die childless. If anyone takes his brother's wife, he is doing an impermissible thing: he has revealed his brother's shame: let them be childless [v. 1–21]. And in another place: The husband or wife in whom the spirit of divination or magic manifests itself shall be put to death: let them stone them: their blood shall be on them [v. 27]. Also in another place, when speaking of the high priest [ch. XXI] says: Let him take the maiden as his wife; but let him not take a widow, an outcast, a dishonored woman, or a harlot, but a virgin from among his people; so that he does not mix the branches of his seed with the common people of his people (vulgo gentis suae); for I am the Lord who sanctify it [v. 13–15]. And much later [ch. XXIV]: A man who curses his God will bear his sin. And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord, let him be put to death: let the whole multitude [of the people] stone him, whether he be a fellow citizen or a foreigner... Whoever strikes and kills a person, let him be put to death. Whoever kills an animal, let him give in return, that is, soul for soul. Whoever causes injury (maculuin) to one of his fellow citizens, let it be done to him in the same way as he did - fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, let him be rewarded: whatever damage he caused, he will be forced to endure. May you have righteous judgment, whether a stranger or a fellow citizen commits sin, for I am your Lord [v. –22]. And a little later [ch. XXVI]. You shall not make for yourself an idol or a graven image, nor shall you erect pillars [at the crossroads] or lay down a boundary stone [insignem lapidem] 4 to worship it; for I am the Lord your God [v.1]. This is from the book of Leviticus. Now let us imagine what, it seems to us, should be contained in memory from the book called Numbers. [Chapter XXVII]: When a man dies without a son, his inheritance will pass to his daughter. If you do not have a daughter, then you will have your brothers as heirs. And if (quod si) he has no brothers, then you will give the inheritance to his father’s brothers. If he does not have paternal uncles, then the inheritance will be transferred to those who are closest to him. And it will be sacred to the children of Israel according to the eternal law, as the Lord commanded Moses [v. 8–11]. And much later [ch. XXXV]: According to the testimony of one person, no one was convicted. And do not take a ransom from one who is guilty of [shed] blood [v. 30, 31]. We have found that from Numbers this should, in our opinion, be worthy of attention. Next we will look at Deuteronomy. [Chapter II]. Let there be no distinction of persons: listen to the insignificant as well as to the noble, and take no account of anyone's person: for this is the judgment of God [v. 17]. And having laid out a great deal, where you repeat the ten chapters, he says [ch. IV]: Guard your souls with care. You did not see any likeness on that day when the Lord spoke to you from the midst of the fire at Horeb, lest by any deception you should make for yourselves a graven likeness, or an image of a man or a woman, or the likeness of all the cattle that are on the earth, or the birds that fly under the sky, or the reptiles that move on the earth, or the fish that live in the waters under the earth. And lest you, raising your eyes to heaven, somehow begin to look at the sun and the moon and all the stars of heaven, and, having fallen into error, do not worship them and honor what the Lord your God has created to serve all the nations that live under heaven [v. 15–19]. And a little later he says; Beware that you never forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which He made with you, and [do not] make for yourself a graven image of what the Lord has forbidden you to do, because the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God [v. 23, 24]. And in another place he says [ch. V]: Have no other gods before Me. Do not make for yourself an image or likeness of everything that is above in heaven, and that is below on the earth, and that lives in the waters under the earth. Do not worship them or revere them. For I am the Lord your God, a jealous God, repaying the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hated Me, and sending mercy to many thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments. Do not use the name of the Lord your God in vain, for he who uses His name in an empty matter will not go unpunished [v. 7–11]. And a little later he says: Honor your father and mother, as your Lord commanded you, so that you may live a long time, and it will be good for you in the land that the Lord your God will give you. Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not commit theft; Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor house, nor field, nor slave, nor maidservant, nor ox, nor donkey, nor anything that belongs to him [v. 16–21]. And elsewhere in the same book [chap. YI]: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength [v. 5]. And a little after: When you eat and are satisfied, be careful not to forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. Fear the Lord your God and work for Him alone and swear by His name. Do not follow the strange gods of all the nations that live around you, for the Lord your God is among you, a jealous God, lest the wrath of the Lord your God ever break out against you and remove you from the surface of the earth. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God [v. 12–16[. Also a little later, when it talks about foreigners [ch. VII]: Do not enter into marriage alliances with them: do not give your daughter [as a wife] to his son, and do not take your son to his daughter, because she will deceive your son, so that he does not follow Me and prefers serving the gods of other nations; and the wrath of the Lord will burn, and He will quickly destroy you. Therefore, it is better to sacrifice them in this way: overthrow their altars, break their idols, cut down [their sacred] groves and burn their images [v. 3–5]. And a few after: And commit their graven images to the fire and do not covet the silver and gold from which they are made, and do not take anything from them, lest they fall, for this is an abomination to the Lord. And do not bring anything into your house from an idol, lest you fall under a spell [excommunication - anathema], like this. Despise it as uncleanness, and look upon it as an abomination and abomination, for it is under a spell [v. 25, 26]. And elsewhere [ch. VII]: Watch and beware of ever forgetting the Lord your God and neglecting His commandments, and His judgments and rites, which I am now commanding you. When you eat and are satisfied, and build beautiful houses and dwell in them, and when you have cattle and flocks of sheep, and have an abundance of gold and silver and everything; then let not your heart be lifted up, and do not forget the Lord your God [v. 11–14]. And after a few verses he says: I have had great mercy on you (ad extremum); Do not say in your soul: “My strength and the strength of my hand have brought me all this.” But remember the Lord your God, for He has given you strength [v. 17–18]. And a little after [ch. XI]: So that you yourself eat and are satisfied. Beware that your heart is not accidentally deceived, and you do not retreat from the Lord God and begin to serve foreign gods and worship them; and the Lord would not have shut up the heavens in wrath [v. 15, 16]. And not much later [ch. XII]: Destroy all the places where those peoples whom you will possess worshiped their gods - on the high mountains and hills and under every branching tree. Scatter their altars and break down their statues; burn the groves with fire and destroy the idols and destroy the names from that place [v. 2, 3] And after some insertion, when it is said about foreigners: Beware not to imitate them, after they are subjugated upon your entry, and not to seek their rites, saying: “As these nations honored their gods, so will I honor them. Do not do anything like the Lord your God. For all the abominations from which the Lord turns away, they did to their gods, bringing them sons and daughters and burning them in the fire. Do only for the Lord what I command you; do not add anything or subtract anything [v. 30–32]. [Chapter XIII]: If a prophet appears among you, or one who claims that he has seen dreams and presents a sign and proof to confirm his words; and if his words are fulfilled, and he says to you: “Let us go and follow strange gods, whom you do not know, and let us work for them; then do not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer, for [this means] that the Lord your God is tempting you, so that it becomes clear whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul or not. Follow the Lord your God and fear Him [alone]. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice. Serve Him and cleave to Him. And let that prophet or dreamer of dreams be put to death, because he spoke with the purpose of turning you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, [speaking with the purpose] to cause you to turn away from the way that the Lord your God commanded you, and therefore remove evil from among you. If your brother, your mother’s son, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife in your bosom, or the friend whom you love, wants to convince you, saying secretly: “Let us go and follow strange gods, which you and your fathers do not know, [the gods] of all the surrounding nations, which are near or far, from the beginning to the uttermost ends of the earth”; then do not agree with him and do not obey him, and do not spare your eye to pity him, and do not hide him; but kill him immediately: let your hand be on him before [others]; and after you, let all the people turn their hand [against him]; he will be stoned because he wanted to turn you away from the Lord your God [v. 1–10]. And a little later, [XIV]: Do not cut out or make bald patches [in memory] of the dead, for you are a people holy to the Lord your God [v. 1, 2]. And elsewhere [ch. XV] says: If one of your brothers, who lives between the gates of your city, in the land that the Lord your God has given you, comes to poverty; then do not harden your heart and do not withdraw [your] hand; but open it for the poor man and lend him what you see he needs. Beware lest you be somehow carried away by an ungodly thought and say in your heart, “Let the seventh year of remission come.” And do not turn your eyes away from your poor brother, not wanting to give in help what he asks for a loan; so that he does not cry out against you to the Lord, and so that there is no sin on you, but give it to him; and do not do anything with cunning in reducing his need; that the Lord your God may bless you at all times and in everything to which you stretch out your hand. The poor will not be transferred in the land of your sojourn; Therefore I command you that you open your hand to your poor and needy brother, who dwells with you in [your] land [v. 7–11]. And a little after [ch. XV] In all your dwellings [portis], which the Lord your God will give you, appoint judges and teachers for each of your tribes separately, so that they judge your people with righteous judgment, and do not bend to the opposite side (alteram partem). Do not pay attention to faces and do not take gifts, because gifts blind the eyes of the wise and change the judgment [verba] of the righteous. Seek righteously that which is just, that you may live and possess the land which the Lord God will give you [v. 18–20]. And a little later: You shall not make for yourself or set up any idols which the Lord your God hates [v. 22]. Also, a little later [ch. XVII]: When there will be revealed to you in one of your dwellings which the Lord your God has given you, a man or a woman who does evil in the presence of the Lord your God and transgresses His covenant (pactum illius = covenant with him), to turn away and serve foreign gods and worship them: the sun and the moon, and all the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; and when this is announced to you, and you hear and investigate carefully, and find that it is true, and that disgrace has been committed in Israel, then you will bring out the man and woman who committed the most criminal deed, and let them be stoned at the gates of your city. According to the testimony of two or three witnesses, let him who is put to death perish. Let no one be put to death if there is only one witness against him. Let the hand of the witnesses strike him first, and the hand of the rest of the people be the last to strike, to remove evil from among you [v. 2–7]. Then a little later: And whoever will be arrogant without wanting to obey the authority of the priest, who at that time serves the Lord your God and the decision of the judges; May that man die and may you remove evil from Israel; and all the people, hearing this, will be afraid, so that no one will be puffed up with pride [v. 12–13]. And after several interpolated commands [ch. XVIII] says: Beware of the desire to imitate the abominations of those peoples. Let there not be such a person among you who will sanctify his son or daughter by leading him through fire, or question fortune-tellers, or observe dreams and fortune-telling by birds; let [you] not have a sorcerer (maleficus) or a spellcaster (incantator), and do not consult with soothsayers or deities, and do not seek truth from the dead; for the Lord abhors all this [v. 9–12]. And a little later, [ch. XIX]: Let there not be [only] one witness against anyone, whatever the sin and crime, but by the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established. If a false witness stands against a man, accusing him of treachery, then the two who have the case [litigation] shall stand before the Lord in the presence of the priests and judges who will be in those days; and when they, after the most careful investigation, find that the false witness has told a lie against his brother, let them reward him with what he himself intended to inflict (reddere) on his brother. And you will remove evil from among you, so that others, hearing this, will have fear and will not dare to do such a thing. Have no mercy towards him, but take soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot [v. 16–21]. And elsewhere, in the same book [chap. XXI]: If a person gives birth to a stubborn and daring son, who does not obey the authority of his father and mother and contemptuously refuses to obey after punishments; then let them take him and bring him to the elders of that city and to the gates of the judgment seat and tell them: This son of ours is stubborn and impudent, listens to our admonitions with contempt, spends his time idly in feasts, debauchery and drinking bouts. Let the people of the city stone him and let him die; so that you may remove evil from among you, and all Israel, hearing this, will be afraid [v. 18–21]. And a little after [ch. XXII]: You will not see your brother’s ox or a lost sheep and pass by [them]; but take them back to your brother, and even though he is not your brother, and you do not know him, still take [them] to your house, and you will have them while your brother is looking for them, and he will take them back. Do the same with the donkey and with the clothes and with every thing of your brother that is lost: if you find it, do not leave it neglected, like someone else’s. If you see your brother's donkey or ox fall on the road; then don’t miss it, but raise it with it. Let no woman dress in men's clothing, nor let a man wear women's clothing, for he who does so is an abomination to the Lord [v. 1–5]. Also a little later: If you build a new house, then make a fence (wall=murum) near the roof, so that blood will not be shed on your house, and you will not be guilty when someone slips and falls down [v. 8]. Also, and a little further below: If someone takes a wife for himself, and then feels hatred for her and seeks reasons to let her go, and, throwing a shameful name at her as a reproach, says: “I took her as a wife and went in to her, and did not find her a virgin”: then let her father and mother take with them and carry the signs of her virginity to the elders of the city who are at the gate, and let the father say: “I gave him to marry his daughter; since he hates her and gives her a later name, saying (ut dicat): “I did not find your daughter a virgin; these are the signs of my daughter’s virginity.” Let the clothes be laid out in the presence of the elders of the city; and let the elders seize that man and subject him to lashes, and on top of that, sentence him to pay a hundred shekels of silver, which they will give to the father of the maiden, because he has dishonored the virgin of Israel with the most shameful name: and he will have her as his wife and cannot let her go as long as he lives. But if what he accuses her of is true, and no virginity was found in the girl, then let him throw her out of the gates of her father’s house, and let the men of that city stone her, and let her die, because she has committed an unspeakable deed in Israel, committing fornication (ut foruicaretur) in her father’s house; and you will remove evil from among you. If a husband sleeps with another's wife, then let both be put to death, that is, both the adulterer and the adulteress, and you will remove evil from Israel. If someone becomes engaged to a girl, and if [then] someone meets her in the city and shares a bed with her, then bring them both to the gates of the city and let them be stoned; the girl because she did not scream, although she was in the city, and the man because he defamed his neighbor’s wife; and you will remove evil from among you. And if in the field a man meets a maiden who is betrothed and, seizing her, shares a bed with her, then let him alone be killed; and the girl will not suffer at all and will not be guilty of death, because he, like a robber, rebelled against his brother and destroyed his soul; Likewise, the girl suffered: she was alone on the field, screaming, and no one was nearby to free her. If a person meets an immaculate maiden who has no groom and, seizing her, shares a bed with her, and the matter comes to trial; then let him who lies with her give her father a hundred shekels of silver, and let him take her as his wife, because he has dishonored her: he cannot let her go all the days of his life. Let no man take his father's wife and uncover her veil. And a little after [ch. XXIII]: Let there be no concubine among the daughters of Israel, nor a fornicator among the sons of Israel [v. 17]; and a little after: Do not give money, nor bread [fugesl], nor any other thing to your brother on interest; but to a stranger [v. 19]. If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because the Lord your God will require it, and if you delay it, it will be counted against you as sin. If you do not want to make a vow, then there will be no sin on you. Indeed, what has once come out of your mouth, you must keep and do as you promised to the Lord your God and spoke with your mouth according to your own will [v. 19–23]. A little later [ch. XXIV]: Do not take a millstone, either lower or upper, as a pledge, because [the one who gives it] has laid down his life for you. If anyone is caught seducing his brother and, after selling him, accepts payment [for him]; then let him be put to death; and you will remove evil from among you [v. 6, 7]. And after a little he says: When you demand from your neighbor any thing that he owes you, then do not enter his house to take a deposit from him; but you will stand outside [the house], and he will bring you what he has. But if he is poor, then do not let the deposit remain with you overnight; but give it to him immediately before the sun goes down, so that when you fall asleep in your clothes, he may bless you, and you may be justified in the sight of the Lord your God. Do not refuse rent to your needy and poor brother, or to the stranger who dwells with you in the midst of your gates; but on the same day give him wages for his work until sunset, because he is poor, and thereby supports his life [animam suam], so that he does not cry out to the Lord before you, and it is not counted against you as a sin. Let not fathers be put to death for their sons, nor sons for their fathers; but let every one die for his own sin [v. 10–17]. And then, a few verses later: When you reap the harvest in your field and forget the sheaf, do not return to pick it up, but let the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow carry it away, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. If you gather fruit from olive trees, do not return to gather what is left on the trees; but leave it to the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. If you gather your vineyard, do not gather the remaining vines; but let them remain for the needs of the orphan, the widow and the stranger. Remember that you were in slavery in Egypt, and therefore I command you that you do this. [Chapter XXV]: If a matter arises between some and they turn to the judges, then whoever they find right, let him be given the palm of justice, and whoever they find wicked, let him be accused of wickedness. And if anyone who has sinned is considered worthy of blows, let them lay him down and order him to be scourged in front of his face. According to the size of the sin, let there be a method of scourging, but so as not to go beyond the limits of forty, so that your brother is not terribly disfigured [v. 1–3). And a little later: If the husbands have a dispute among themselves and begin to attack one another, and if the wife of one of them, wanting to take her husband away from the hand of the stronger one, reaches out and grabs him by the private parts; then cut off her hand; do not touch her with any mercy. Do not keep in your bag various [double] measures, greater and lesser; Have for yourself the correct and real weight, and let your measure be correct and real [v. 11–14]. And after that he says quite a lot [XXVII Ch.] Cursed is the man who makes a carved or cast image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of artists and will put it in a secret place. And let the people answer and say: “So be it” (Amen). Cursed is he who does not honor his father and mother. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is he who removes the boundary markers [on earth] of his neighbor. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is the one who leads the blind astray. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is he who perverts justice for the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is everyone who sleeps with his father's wife and uncovers the covers of his bed. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is he who sleeps with all cattle. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is everyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or his mother. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is he who secretly strikes his neighbor. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Cursed is the one who accepts gifts to afflict the soul with innocent blood. And all the people will say: “Amen.” Up to this point we have offered what seemed necessary to us from the books of Moses. And in those books that follow further and are called: Joshua, Judges, Kings, Chronicles, more stories (historia) are offered about past affairs than the commandments of life. However, I did not consider it my duty to omit in this work the following very few passages from the book of Joshua. [Chapter XXII]: Return and go to your tents and to the land of possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan; only so that you carefully observe and actually fulfill the commandment and law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, that you love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and apply yourself to Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul [v. 4, 5]. And elsewhere [ch. XXIII] says: So that you, after you have entered among the nations that will be among you, do not swear by the name of their gods, and do not serve them and do not worship them, but cleave to the Lord your God, which you have done until this day. And the book of Psalms has much to offer, although the same things are often repeated; but I, as far as possible for me, will be moderate, so that this work, which should primarily be retained in memory, does not gain excessive volume. In Psalm I: Blessed is the man who did not follow the counsel of the wicked, and did not stand in the way of sinners, and did not sit on the seat of scoffers; but his will is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he will meditate day and night [v. 1, 2]. In Psalm II: Therefore, rulers, now understand; learn, O judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling. Worship in purity so that He does not somehow become angry and you perish on the way. Since his anger will be kindled a little later, blessed are all those who trust in Him [v. 11–12]. In Psalm IV: Sons of man, how long are you proud and ignominious lovers of vanity, seeking lies? [Art. 3]. And a little after: Be angry and do not sin. Speak in your hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness and trust in the Lord [v. 5, 6]. In Psalm V: For You are not a God who desires unrighteousness. No evildoer will dwell near You, nor will the wicked stand before the sight of Your eyes. You hate all who do lies; you will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord abhors a bloodthirsty and treacherous man [v. 5–7]. In Psalm XIV: Lord, who will walk under Your roof, and who will dwell on Your holy mountain? He who walks without blame and does what is right and speaks the truth in his heart, who is not easy on his tongue and has not done harm to his friend or endured reproach against his neighbor. A dishonest man is despised in his sight, but he glorifies those who fear the Lord. He swears and does not change, even if the one [to whom he swore] saddened him. He did not give his money on interest and did not accept gifts to the detriment of an innocent person. He who does this will never be shaken. In Psalm XXIII: Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who will stand in his holy place? He who was innocent with his hands and pure in his heart did not exalt himself with his soul and did not swear insidiously. He will receive blessing from the Lord and justification from God his Savior [v. 3–5]. In Psalm XXVI: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, Whom will I fear? [Art. 1]. And then four lines later (versus): If a camp is set up against me, my heart will not be afraid. If an army rises against me, then I will rely on Him. One thing I have asked of the Lord, and I will seek it,—namely, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may see the glory of the Lord, and that I may go to His church [v. 3–5]. And in another place: My heart said to You: “I have sought Your face, and I will seek Your face, O Lord” [v. 8]. And after that: Trust in the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be established, and keep the Lord [v.14]. In Psalm XXVII: Do not betray me with the wicked and the workers of iniquity, who talk peace with their friends, but have evil in their hearts [v. 3]. In Psalm XXX: Be of good cheer, and let the hearts of all of you who trust in the Lord be strengthened [v. 25]. In Psalm XXXI: Do not be like a horse and a hinny, who have no understanding. With bridle and bit, squeeze the jaws of those who do not approach You. The wicked have many sorrows; but he who trusts in the Lord will be surrounded by mercy. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and rejoice and rejoice, all ye righteous in heart [v. 11]. In Psalm XXXII: Praise the Lord, O righteous ones; Praise befits the righteous [v. 1]. And in another place: Blessed is the people whose Lord [is] their God; the people whom the Lord chose to be his inheritance [v. 12]. In Psalm XXXIII: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise is always on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord. Let the meek hear and rejoice. Exalt the Lord with me, and together let us exalt His name [v. 1–4]. And after a few lines (versus): Taste and see how good the Lord is; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. Fear the Lord, ye His saints, for those who fear Him do not lack. The lions lacked and went hungry, but those who fear the Lord will not lack any good thing. Come, children, listen to me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is a person who wants life, loving to see good days? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Retreat from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it [v. 9–16]. And then seven lines later (versus): The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He will save those who are crushed in spirit [v. 19]. In Psalm XXX V I: Do not quarrel with those who are malicious and do not compete with those who do injustice, for they, like grass, will soon be worn out, and like a green vegetable they will dry up. Trust in the Lord and do good; walk the earth and feed on faith. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will fulfill the requests of your heart. Reveal your path to the Lord and rely on Him, and He will fulfill it. And he will make your righteousness appear as light, and your righteous judgment as the noonday. Be silent before the Lord and trust in Him. Do not fight with the one who prospers in his way, with the person who does what he plans. Abandon anger and throw away rage, do not strive to do evil, for those who do evil will perish; but those who trust in the Lord will inherit the earth. After all, a little more, and the wicked will perish, and you will think about his place, and behold, he is not. But the meek will inherit the earth and enjoy much peace [v. 1–12]. And a little later: The little of the righteous is preferred over the abundance of the wealth of the wicked, because the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord will raise up the righteous [v. 16, 17]. Depart from evil and do good [v. 27]. Trust in the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you to possess the earth. Keep it simple and look to the upright [man], for in the end there will be peace for [this] man [v. 37]. In Psalm XXXIX: Blessed is the man who places his confidence in the Lord and does not stray into pride and the splendor of lies [v. 5]. In Psalm XLIII: In the Lord we will rejoice every day, and in Your name we will confess forever [v. 9]. And a little later: All this came upon us, but we did not forget about You and did not lie to Your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor has our walk turned away from Your ways, although You forsook us in the land of dragons and covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of our Lord, and if we stretch out our hands to a foreign God, has not God tested this? For He knows the thoughts of the heart, for for Your sake we are put to death all the day long, and are counted as a flock destined to be slaughtered [v. 19–23]. In Psalm XL V I: Sing to God, sing; sing to our king, sing, for God is the king of all the earth, sing skillfully [v. 7, 8]. In Psalm: XLIX: Sacrifice praise to God and fulfill your vows before the Most High. And call me on the day of suffering; I will set you free and you will glorify Me. And the Lord said to the wicked: “What is it to you with the preaching of My commandments, so that you proclaim My Covenant with your lips? You, after all, hate [My] instructions, and you have thrown My words behind you. If you saw a thief, you sympathized with him and took part with the adulterers. You have used your lips for evil, and your tongue has devised deceit. As you sat, you spoke against your brother, and you invented reproaches against your mother’s son. You did this, and I fell silent. You thought that I would be like you. [But] I will reprove you and show you before your eyes. Understand this, those who forget God; lest I seize [you], and there will not be one who will set [you] free. He who sacrifices confession glorifies Me; and whoever walks in order, I will show him My salvation [v. 14–23]. In Psalm L: Cleanse me from my iniquity and from my sin; for I have known my iniquity, and my sin is always before me [v. 4, 5]. And in another place: Sacrifice to God is a troubled spirit; a broken and humble heart [You, O God, will not despise [v. 19]. In Psalm LI: Why, O mighty one, do you boast in malice. God's mercy appears every day. Your tongue plots intrigues like a sophisticated razor, committing deceit. You loved evil more than good, lies more than telling the truth. Treacherous tongue, you have loved all speech to destruction. But God will destroy you forever, will frighten you and throw you out of your home and uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear and laugh at him: “Here is a man who did not put his strength in God, but put his hope in the abundance of his wealth; he strengthened himself in his wickedness.” And I, like a green olive tree, have placed my hope in God’s mercy forever and ever. I will forever confess what You have done, and I will trust in Your name, for It is good in the presence of Your saints [v. 3–11]. In Psalm LXI: Nations! trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him. God is our hope. But the sons of Adam are vanity, the sons of man are lies. Together they act by deception on fake scales 5 . Do not trust slander and do not place false hope in robbery. If riches flow in, do not attach your hearts [v. 9–11]. In Psalm LXIII: The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and trust in Him [v. 11]. In Psalm LX V III. For for Your sake I bore shame; embarrassment covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers and a stranger to my mother’s sons. For zeal for Your house has burned [eaten] me, and the shame of those who speak evil against You has fallen upon me. And in fasting I mourned my soul, and this was a shame for me. And I made sackcloth my garment, and I myself became a byword to them. Those who sat in the gate spoke against me, and those who drank wine sang songs [v. 8–13]. And a little later: I will praise the name of my God in song and magnify Him in confession; and God will be more pleased with a young calf that grows horns and hooves. The meek, seeing, will rejoice. To those who seek the Lord, may your soul live, for the Lord has heard the poor [v. 31–34]. In Psalm LXXII: For behold, those who depart from You will perish: You have destroyed everyone who goes astray from You (fornicantem a te). It is good for me to draw closer to God; I have placed my hope in the Lord God, that I may speak all Thy preachings [v. 27–28]. In Psalm LXX V: Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill [them]. May all those who are around Him bring gifts to the Terrible One, who tames the spirit of princes, the Terrible One for the kings of the earth [v. 12, 13]. In Psalm LXXVI1: My people, listen carefully to My law. Incline your ear to the words of My mouth. I will open My mouth in riddles and speak ancient oracles [cm. 1, 2]. And in another place: And they will tell their sons that they should place their hope in God and not forget His thoughts and keep His commandments [v. 7]. In Psalm LXXX: Praise God, our strength; sing solemnly to the God of Jacob [v. 2]. If you, Israel, will listen to Me, then you shall not have a strange god, and do not worship a foreign god. I am the Lord your God [v. 9–11]. In Psalm LXXXI: How long will you judge unjustly and pay heed to the countenance of the wicked. Do justice to the poor and the orphan, the needy and the insufficient, do justice [v. 2, 3]. In Psalm LXXIII: Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they shall praise Thee hitherto. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, [Your] ways in His heart; passing through the valley of mourning, they will open a source in it: the teacher will be covered with blessing 6: they will go from strength to strength, they will appear to God in Zion [v. 5–8]. And a little later: For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I preferred to be cast out in the house of God rather than to dwell in the habitations of wicked men [v. 11]. In Psalm XSI: It is good to confess to the Lord and sing praises to Your name, O Most High [v. 2]. In Psalm XC III: Understand, you foolish people, and you ignorant ones, when you learn [v. 8]? And a little later: Blessed is the man whom You, O Lord, will guide and teach him from Your law, so that he may rest from the days of sorrow, until a pit is dug for the destruction of the wicked [v. 12, 13]. In Psalm XXIV: Come, let us worship, fall, bow our knees before the face of the Lord our Creator [v. 6]; and two lines (versus) later: Now if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in stubbornness, as in the day of temptation in the wilderness [v. 8]. In Psalm XCV: Sing a new song to the Lord; all the earth, sing praises to the Lord. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day by day. Tell His glory among the nations; bring glory and strength to the Lord; His wonders were in all nations [v. 1–3]. And six lines later: Tribes of nations, bring to the Lord, bring to the Lord glory and strength; bring glory to the Lord to His name; take the gifts and enter into His courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of the sanctuary [v. 7–9]. In Psalm XCVI: You who love the Lord, hate evil [v. 10]. And three lines later: Rejoice in the Lord, O righteous ones, and confess to the sacred memory of Him [v. 12]. In Psalm XCVII: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing loudly, praise and sing [v. 4]. In Psalm XCVIII: Lift up the Lord our God and worship His footstool, for it is holy [v. 9]. In Psalm XXIX: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, serve the Lord with joy. Walk before Him with praise. Know that the Lord is precisely God: He created us, and we are Him. [Art. 1–3]. And a line later: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with a song of praise, confess Him [v. 4, 5] In Psalm C: I will walk in the simplicity of my heart in the midst of my house. I will not put the words of Belial before my eyes. I hated the one who evades: He will not cleave to me. Let the corrupt heart depart from me; I will not know an evil person. He who speaks in secret against his neighbor I will put to death; I cannot be [or: eat] with one who is proud of the eyes and arrogant. My eyes are toward the faithful of the earth, that they may dwell with me. He who walks the path simply will serve me. He who does evil shall not dwell in my house; he who speaks a lie is not acceptable in my sight. In the morning I will destroy all the wicked of the earth, to destroy all those who do iniquity from the city of God [v. 2–8]. In Psalm II: The mercy of the Lord from everlasting to everlasting is upon those who fear Him; and His righteousness is upon the sons of sons who keep the covenant [pactum]. They remember Him and His commandments in order to do them [vv. 17–18]. In Psalm IV: Confess the Lord and call on His name: make His thoughts known among the nations. Sing to Him and make melody to Him. Talk among everyone about His miracles. Rejoice in His holy name. Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength. Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He did, His signs, and the judgments of His mouth [v. 1–5]. In Psalm CVII: O God, my heart is ready; I will sing and chant; but also my glory (sed et gloria mea) 7). Arise, psaltery and harp; I'll get up early. I will confess to You, O Lord, among the nations, I will sing to You among the nations [v. 2–4]. In the psalm, SH: I will confess to the Lord with all my heart in the council of the righteous and in the assembly [v. 1]. And elsewhere: The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. The teaching is good for all who keep it; His praise endures without ceasing [v. 10]. In Psalm CXI: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he desires His commandments [v. 1]. And five lines later: Blessed is the merciful man who lends money; he will stand by his words in judgment, for he will not move forever. The righteous will be an everlasting memorial: he will not fear when he hears evil. His heart, trusting in the Lord, is ready; his heart is firm; he will not be afraid when he looks at his enemies. He was generous: he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever, his might [cornu] shall exalt in glory. The wicked will see and become angry, gnash his teeth and waste away. The desire of the wicked shall perish [v. 5–10]. In Psalm CX II: Praise, O servants, the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time [a modo] forever. From the east of the sun to the west, let the name of the Lord boast (laudabile) [v. 1–3]. In Psalm CX III: The idols of the pagans are gold and silver, the work of human hands. They have mouths and do not speak; they have eyes and do not see, they have ears and do not hear, etc. [v. 12–16]. Those who make them and all who rely on them will be like them. Israel trusted in the Lord; He is their helper and patron. The house of Aaron relied on the Lord: He is their helper and protector. But those who fear the Lord trust in the Lord: He is their helper and protector [v. 17–19]. In Psalm CXV: I believed, which is why I said, “I am greatly saddened” [v. 1]. And a little later: What will I repay the Lord for everything that He has given me? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. The death of saints is glorious before the Lord [v. 3, 4]; and three lines later: I will offer you a sacrifice of praise and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people: in the courts of the house of the Lord in the midst of you, Jerusalem [v. 8–10]. In Psalm CXV I: Praise the Lord, all you nations, praise Him, all you people [v. 1]. In Psalm CXV II: Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Let Israel say now, for His mercy endures forever, etc.... When I was in turmoil, I called on the Lord, and the Lord heard me in the wideness [v. 1–5]. And five lines later: It is better to hope in the Lord than to hope in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in princes [v. 8, 9]. And eight years later: The Lord is my strength and my praise, and He was my salvation. The voice of praise and salvation in the dwellings of the righteous [v. 14, 15]. In Psalm CXX III: Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies: they seek Him with all their hearts [v. 1, 2]. And in another place: I will walk in a wide place, because I have sought Your commandments, and I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be embarrassed. And I will delight in Your commandments, which I have loved; and I will lift up my hands unto Thy commandments, which I have loved, and speak of Thy commandments [v. 45–48]. And four lines later: I have not deviated from Your law. I remembered Your judgments from time immemorial and was comforted. Terror has seized me in the presence of the wicked, because they have forsaken Thy law. Your commandments were like songs for me in the house of my strangers. At night I remembered Your name, O Lord, and kept Your law. It became mine because I kept Your law. I said: “My destiny, Lord, is to keep Your commandments.” With all my heart I prayed before Your face, have mercy on me according to Your word. I pondered my ways, and turned my feet to Thy testimonies. I hastened and did not neglect to keep Your commandments. The snares of the wicked have entangled me, [but] I have not forgotten Your law. In the middle of the night I rose to confess to You about the judgments of Your justifications. I am the companion of all those who fear You and keep Your commandments [v. 51–63]. But I have kept Your commandments with all my heart. Their heart grew fat like fat, but I meditated on Your law. It is good for me that I was saddened, that I might learn Thy commandments. I prefer the law of Thy mouth to thousands of gold and silver [v. 69–72]. For Your law is my thought [v. 77]. But I will speak of Your commandments [v. 18]. I have not forgotten Your commandments [v. 84]. The proud dug a pit for me, which was not according to Your law [v. 85]. They almost destroyed me on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments [v. 87]. If Your law had not been my consolation, then perhaps I would have perished in my distress. I will never forget Your commandments, because through them You gave me life. I am Yours; save me, because I have sought Your commandments. The wicked were waiting for me to destroy me. And I will meditate on Your testimonies. I have seen the end of all fulfillment (consummationis;) [but] Your commandment is too broad. How I have loved Your law. All day long he is my thought [v. 92–97]. I have kept my feet from every evil way, to keep Your words. I have not retreated from Your judgments, because You have enlightened me. How sweet is Your word to my throat! [It] is better than honey for my mouth. I meditated on Your commandments, and therefore I hated every way of lies. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path [v. 101–105]. My soul is always in Your hand, and I have not forgotten Your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I have not departed from Your commandments. Your testimonies are an inheritance for me forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to keep Your justifications for the sake of eternal reward. I have hated the rebels and loved Your law. You are my cover and shield: I have placed my hope in Your word. Depart from me you who are evil, and I will keep the commandment of my God [v. 109–115]. Thou hast judged all the wicked of the earth as scum, [and] therefore have I loved Thy law. My flesh trembled for fear of You, and I was afraid of Your judgments. I have committed justice and righteousness, so that You would not leave me to those who slander me [cm. 119–121]. Therefore I have loved Your commandments more than gold and precious stones; therefore I have striven for all Thy commandments. I hated every path of lies. Wonderful are Your testimonies, therefore my soul has preserved them [v. 127–129]. I opened my mouth and sighed, for I desired Your commandments [v. 131]. My jealousy has crushed me, for my enemies have forgotten Your commandments. Your word is very pure [probatus – tested], and Your servant has loved it. I am small and subject to contempt, but I have not forgotten Your commandments [v. 139–141]. My desire is Thy commandments [v. 143]. Look at my grief and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law [v. 153]. There are many who persecute me and afflict me; [but] I have not departed from Your testimonies. I saw Your traitors and was distressed, for they did not keep Your words. See how I, O Lord, have loved Your commandments; quicken me according to Thy mercy [v. 157–159]. I rejoice in Your word, as one who has received much spoil. I hated lies and began to abhor them; but I loved Your law. Seven times a day I praised You about the judgments of Your righteousness. Those who love Your law have much peace, and there is no temptation for them. I have waited for Your salvation, O Lord, and have fulfilled Your commandments. My soul has kept Your commandments and testimonies, and I have loved them much. I have kept Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You [v. 162–168]. Let Your hand be my helper, because I have chosen Your commandments. I have desired Your salvation, O Lord, and my desire is Your law [v. 173–174]. I am lost, like a lost sheep; Seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments [v. 176[. In Psalm CIX: I spoke peaceful [speeches], but they dispute them [v. 7]. In Psalm CXXI: Ask for peace for Jerusalem, that it may be good for those who love her [v. 6]. For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors, I spoke peace to you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God I have desired good things for you [v. 8, 9]. In Psalm CXXII: I have lifted up my eyes to You who dwell in heaven. Just as the eyes of slaves are towards the hands of their masters, like the eyes of a maidservant are towards the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes towards the Lord our God, until he has mercy on us [v. 1–3]. In Psalm CXXIV: Like the mountains of Zion those who trust in the Lord are those who move forever, inhabited Jerusalem [v. 1]. In Psalm CXXVII: Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways [v. 1]. In Psalm CXXIX: I held fast to the Lord, my soul held fast: I trusted in His word [v. 5]. In Psalm CXXXX: Lord, my heart was not lifted up, neither were my eyes lifted up, nor did I walk in great things and in wonderful things above me (exceeding my understanding). Have I not decided and silenced my soul? just as I was taken from my mother’s breast, so was my soul taken from me. Let Israel trust in the Lord from now on and forever. In Psalm CXXXXII: This is how good and pleasant it is for brothers to live in unity [v. 1]. In Psalm CXXXXIII: Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord; Praise, O servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. At night, lift up your hands to the Holy One and bless the Lord [v. 1, 2]. In Psalm CXXXIV: Praise the name of the Lord, praise the servants of the Lord who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God; Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to His name, for it is pleasant [v. 1–3]. The idols of the pagans are gold and silver, the work of human hands: they have mouths and do not speak, they have eyes and do not see, and so on. [Art. 15–17]. Like them are those who make them and all who rely on them. House of Israel, bless the Lord; house of Aaron, bless the Lord; you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord [v. 18–20] In Psalm CXXXV: Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Confess to the God of gods, for His mercy endures forever. Confess yourselves to the Lord of lords, for His mercy endures forever [v. 1–3]. Confess yourselves to the God of heaven, for his mercy endures forever [v. 26]. In Psalm CXXXVI: Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand be in oblivion. Let my tongue cleave to my throat, if I do not remember you, O Jerusalem, if I do not make Jerusalem the beginning of my joy [v. 5–6]. In Psalm CXXXVIII: Lord, have I not hated those who hate You, and have I not fainted [in the struggle] against those who rise up against You? I hated them with complete hatred; they were enemies to me [v. 21, 22]. In Psalm CXXXIX: Do not, O Lord, grant [the fulfillment] of the desires of the wicked; let not his crimes spread, and let them not lift up their heads [v. 9]. Let no evil-tongued man be established on earth [v. 12]. In Psalm CXL: Let the righteous correct me in mercy and reprove me: the oil of sorrow shall not anoint my head [v. 5]. For my eyes are towards You, O Lord; I trusted in you, do not leave my soul [v. 8]. In Psalm CXLI: I cried to the Lord with my voice; With my voice I brought a prayer to the Lord. Before Him I will pour out my petition and I will reveal my torment before Him [v. 1, 2]. I cried to you, Lord; I said: You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living [v. 5]. In Psalm CXL I I: I have meditated on all Your works and spoken of the works of Your hands. I have stretched out my hands to You. My soul is like earth, thirsting for You [v. 6]. Let me hear early about Your mercy, for I rely on You... Free me, Lord, from enemies, I am under Your roof (and te protectus sum) [cm. 8, 9]. In Psalm CXL II I: Set me free and snatch me from the hand of the strange sons, whose mouth speaks vain things, and whose right hand is the right hand of lies. Let our sons be like a growing plant in his youth; Our daughters are like corners, decorated in the likeness of a church, and our storerooms are filled with abundance of both. Small cattle [let there be] thousands and without number at our crossroads; Let our oxen [be] fat. There is no confusion, no running, no screaming on our streets. Blessed is the people to whom it belongs; Blessed is the people whose Lord is God [v. 11–13]. In Psalm CXLIV: I will exalt You, O Lord, my God, King! and bless Your name forever and ever (in aeternum et ultra). Every day I will always bless You without ceasing [v. 1, 2]. Generation before generation shall praise Thy works, and shall proclaim Thy strength, and tell of Thy greatness [v. 4]. They will speak in remembrance of Your great goodness and will praise Your judgments [v. 7]. And Your saints bless You; They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom and of Your power, to show to the sons of men the power thereof and the glory of the greatness of Your kingdom [v. 11, 12]. The Lord is close to all who truly call on Him. He will do what is right to those who fear Him, and He will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all those who love him and will crush all the wicked. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless the Lord forever and ever (in aeternum et jugiter) [cm. 18–21]. In Psalm CXLV: Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life and sing praises to my Lord as long as I live. Do not put your trust in rulers or in the son of man, who has no salvation [v. 1, 2]. Blessed is he whose helper is the God of Jacob; His hope is in the Lord his God [v. 5]. In Psalm CLVI: Praise the Lord, for He is good; song of our Lord [or: to our Lord] - for [this] should be: excellent praise [v. 1]. The Lord raises up the humble, and brings down the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord in confession, sing to our God [v. 7?] His desire is not for the strength of the horse, and His pleasure is not for the strength of the man’s legs. The favor of the Lord is upon those who fear Him and expect His mercy [v. 10, 11]. In Psalm CXLVIII. Let the kings of the earth and all the nations, the princes and all the judges of the earth, the young men and the maidens, the old men and the children, praise the name of the Lord [v. 11–13]. In Psalm CXLIX: Sing to the Lord a new song; His praise is in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Creator, and let the children of Zion rejoice in their King [v. 1, 2]. He will exalt the humble in the Savior [in Jesu]. The saints will leap in the word; they will praise on their beds. The praises of God in their throats [v. 6]. In Psalm CL: Praise the Lord in His saints, praise Him in the strength of His might. Praise Him in His strength. Praise Him in the abundance of His greatness [v. 1–2]. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord [v. 6]. This is what we have collected from the book of Psalms, in which everyone will see their life if they strive to prosper. At the same time (ubi), I earnestly ask the reader to read what I have indicated from the Psalms coherently, as if it were one psalm, omitting my words, which I inserted for the purpose that, if he wishes, he would see where what I took was written down, that is, in which psalm according to the account, or in which place of the same psalm. In fact, whoever, skipping these [insertions] in sequential reading, will look only at the words of the Psalms, will be aroused with greater pleasure, and, consequently, with greater benefit by divine sayings. And now we have collected from the book of Solomon what we think is necessary for this book, and above all from the book of Proverbs. Almost the whole of this book is of great value for the instruction of godly morals, if it be rightly understood. But I will miss the fact that [it is] dark. Let these places be the property of readers and lovers of spiritual writings, so that they can practice [in them]. In this work, we decided to select what relates, as is easy to understand, to the passage of life. At least it seemed to many that I missed the most famous; however, something is still hidden in them precisely in what seems quite clear. In fact, why does it seem so clear and [at the same time] so inconvenient - if you wanted to learn this [as correct] - the saying: Abstain from someone else's water, and do not drink from someone else's source (Prov. IX, 18). Or what significance does the saying have for correcting morals? Poverty accepts a person, but the hand of the strong enriches (Prov. X, 4), unless they find a higher meaning in him. Indeed, after all, not being poor and having strong hands is not in the power of good people, but nevertheless, it happens to many wicked people. Thus this saying, if misunderstood, may induce the powerful poor to think that they must enrich themselves by robbery. Who will not laugh if only he begins to understand in its own sense the saying known in this book: For children are not born to evildoers (Proverbs XXVI, 20). Thus we will leave all this kind [sayings]; and those in which something is advised, [we will expound] somewhat longer; since what is advised or commanded does not seem obscure, then in this “Mirror” it is preferable and should be stated precisely this, so that those who have already been given advice to live benevolently and laudably can contemplate themselves in it; but in order to achieve this, they seek what is desirable for them, or what must be observed. So this is what we think it is necessary to borrow from the Proverbs of Solomon. [Chapter 1]: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Wisdom and instruction are despised by fools. My son, listen to your father’s instructions and do not forsake your mother’s law [v. 7, 8]. And when he speaks of murderers: They lay an ambush against their own blood and plot deception against their souls. Thus, the ways of every greedy person destroy the souls of those who take possession of [other people's goods] [v. 18, 19]. Children (parvuli), how long do you love vanities? And fools desire what is harmful to them, and fools hate knowledge [v. 22]. Then they will call on Me, and I will not hear; In the morning they will rise and will not find Me, because they hated instruction and did not accept the fear of God, and did not heed My advice, and withdrew from all their reproofs. So they will eat the fruit of their life and be satisfied with their counsel. The disgust of children (parvulorum) will kill them and the welfare of fools will destroy them. And whoever listens to Me will calm down without fear and will enjoy abundance after the fear of evil is removed. [Chapter II]: If you call upon wisdom and incline your heart to prudence, if you seek it as money and dig for it as treasure; then you will understand the fear of God and you will find the knowledge of God, because the Lord will give wisdom, and from his mouth [comes] knowledge and prudence. He will ensure salvation for those who walk upright and will keep those who walk in simplicity, guarding the path of righteousness and guarding the paths of the saints. Then you will understand justification and judgment and justice and every good way. If wisdom enters your heart and knowledge pleases your soul, then prudence will protect you and understanding will save you, so that you will be snatched from the path of the evil and from the man who speaks corrupt things: [from those] who forsake the right path and walk in dark ways, who rejoice in doing evil and rejoice in the deeds of the wicked, who walk in corrupt ways and whose walks are unknown; so that you will be torn away from another man's stranger's wife, who delights in her speech and leaves the leader of her youth, and has forgotten the covenant of her God [v. 3–17]. [Chapter III]: Let mercy and truth [not] leave you. Surround your neck with them and write them on the tablets of your heart, and you will find grace and good instruction before God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways think about Him, and He will direct your walk. Don't be wise to yourself. Fear the Lord and turn away from evil [v. 3–7]. Honor the Lord with your wealth, and with the firstfruits of all your fruits [v. 9]. Do not reject, my son, the instructions of the Lord; do not weaken when He corrects you. For the Lord punishes the one whom he loves and favors, like a father to his son. Blessed is the man who gains wisdom and who flows to wisdom. Its acquisition is better than the accumulation of silver, and its fruit is more valuable than the finest gold: more precious than all riches; and everything desired in comparison with it will not stand (non valent) [v. 3–15] My son, do not let this escape your sight: Keep the law and reasoning [v. 21]. Do not interfere with doing good to someone who can; if you can, then do good yourself. Do not say to your friend: “Go and come again, and tomorrow I will give it to you.” Do not plot evil against your friend when he has confidence in you. Do not argue against a person in vain [v. 21–30]. He will laugh at ridicule, and He will bestow mercy on the meek. [Chapter IV]: Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it comes life. Put away wicked lips from you, and let a flattering tongue be far from you. Let your eyes see straight and let your eyelashes precede your steps. Direct the way for your feet and let all your paths be established. Do not deviate to the right or to the left. Turn your foot away from evil. After all, the Lord knows the right paths, but the corrupt ones are those on the left. But He Himself will make your walk straight, and He will guide your paths in peace [v. 23–29]. [Chapter V]: My son, seek my wisdom and incline your ear to my understanding, so that you may keep your thoughts and your lips will keep instructions, for the mouth of another man's wife drips honey, and her throat is softer than oil. But its consequences are as bitter as wormwood and sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet descend to death and her feet penetrate into hell [v. 1–5]. [Chapter VI]: Let not your heart desire her beauty, and let not you be carried away by the movements of her body. After all, the price of a harlot is barely, barely one piece of bread, and a married woman takes away a precious soul. Can a man hide the fire on his chest and not burn his clothes? or walk on hot coals and not get your feet burned. Likewise, he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife will not be clean if he touches her. There is no great guilt when someone steals to satisfy a hungry soul; but if he is captured, he will return him sevenfold and sell all his household property. But whoever commits adultery will lose his soul because of the poverty of his heart [v. 25–32]. [Chapter VII]: My son, keep my words; and hide my instructions within yourself. Keep my commandments and live, and keep my law like the apple of your eye [v. 1, 2]. [Chapter VIII]: Children, understand deceit, and take note of the foolish [v. 5]. My throat will confess the truth, and my mouth will hate the wicked [v. 7]. Accept my instruction, not money, and love my teaching more than gold, for wisdom is better than all jewels, And everything desired cannot be compared with it [v. 10, 11]. The fear of the Lord hates evil; He hates insolence, pride, a corrupt way, and bilingual lips [v. 13]. I love those who love Me, and those who watch before Me in the morning will find Me. With Me are wealth and glory, high dignity and truth. My fruit is better than gold and precious stone, and my offspring is better than chosen silver. I walk in the paths of righteousness and in the steps of justice, to enrich those who love me and to fill their treasuries [v. 17–20]. Blessed is the man who listens to me, who watches daily at my gates, and keeps watch at the lintels of my entrance doors. Whoever finds me will find life and receive salvation from the Lord. And whoever sins against me will harm his soul. All who hate me love death [v. 34–36]. [Chapter IX]: Leave foolishness and live and walk in the paths of prudence. He who teaches a scoffer injures himself, and he who reproaches the wicked discredits himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give a reason to a wise man, and wisdom will come to him. Teach the righteous, and he will hasten to learn. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of saints is prudence [v. 6–10]. [Chapter X]: Unrighteous treasures bring no profit, but justice saves from death [v. 2]. He who gathers in the harvest is a son of wisdom, but he who sleeps in the summer is a son of confusion [v. 5]. A wise man learns the commandments with his heart, but a foolish man speaks with his mouth. He who walks in simplicity walks with confidence, but he who corrupts his ways will be rebuked. Whoever winks with his eyes will cause grief, but the foolish will be beaten with his lips. The mouth of the righteous is the source of life, but the mouth of the wicked causes injustice: Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. In the mouth of a wise man wisdom is found; but the rod is on the back of him who is poor at heart. The wise hide their wisdom, but the lips of the foolish are close to confusion [v. 8–14]. The path to life is for the one who follows the instructions, and the one who rejects reproaches goes astray. False lips hide hatred. He who spreads slander is unreasonable. With much talk there will be no shortage of sin, but he who holds his lips is the most prudent. The tongue of the righteous is chosen silver, but the heart of the wicked is worthless. The lips of the righteous teach many, but those who are not taught will die in poverty of heart. The blessing of the Lord makes them rich and no sorrow will be added to them. A fool commits a crime as if laughing, but a wise man has understanding. What the wicked fears will befall him, but the righteous will be given according to their desire [v. 17–24]. He is lazy to those who send him [to work], like vinegar to the teeth, or smoke to the eyes. The fear of the Lord makes the days long, but the years of the wicked are shortened. Hope is the joy of the righteous, but the hope of the wicked will perish. The path of the Lord is a fortress for the simple, but terrible for those who do evil. The righteous will not be shaken forever, and the wicked will not dwell on the earth. The lips of the righteous give birth to wisdom, but the tongue of the wicked perishes; The mouth of the righteous contains what is good, but the mouth of the wicked contains what is corrupt [v. 26–32]. [Chapter XI]: Counterfeit scales are an abomination to the Lord: the correct weight pleases Him. Where there is pride, there will be dishonor; and where there is humility, there is wisdom. The simplicity of the righteous guides them, but the cunning of the wicked will destroy them. Riches do not help on the day of retribution, but justice frees you from death. The justice of the simple guides his path, but the wicked will fall in his wickedness. The righteousness of the righteous will set them free; and the wicked will be captured in their wiles. When the wicked dies, there is no more hope left for him, and the expectations of the wicked are cut off [v. 1–8]. He who despises his friend has no heart, but a prudent man will remain silent. He who walks in deception reveals secrets, but he who is faithful in soul keeps what has been entrusted to him. Where there is no ruler, the people fall; but prosperity is where there is a lot of advice. He who trusts a stranger is saddened by evil; and whoever guards himself from wiles is safe [v. 12–15]. A merciful person does good to his soul, but a cruel person rejects even his neighbors [v. 17]. A corrupt heart is detestable to the Lord, but His will is for those who walk in simplicity. I give my hand as proof (manus in manu) that the evil one will not go unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall be saved [v. 20–21]. The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. Some give away their [wealth] and are rich, while others rob what is not theirs and are always in need. The soul that does good will be fattened, and whoever gives water to others will also be given water to drink. He who hides his grain will be cursed by the people, but blessing is on the head of those who sell it. He who seeks good will rise safely at dawn, and he who pursues evil will be overwhelmed by it. He who trusts in his riches will fall under them, but the righteous will sprout like a green leaf [v. 23–28]. If the righteous receive his reward on earth, how much more will the wicked and sinner [v. 31]! [Chapter XII:] He who loves instruction loves knowledge, and he who hates reproach is foolish. He who is good will draw grace from God, but he who relies on his own thoughts does wickedness. Man will not be strengthened through wickedness, and the root of the righteous will not be removed [v. 1–3]. The desire of the wicked is to strengthen wickedness, but the root of the righteous will prosper. An evil man is approaching his fall through the sins of his lips; and the righteous will avoid trouble. From the fruit of his mouth everyone will be filled with good, and according to the works of his hands he will be rewarded. The path of the foolish is right before his eyes. And he who is wise listens to advice [v. 12–15]. There is one who promises, but he is pierced as if by a sword of conscience; and the tongue of the wise is salvation. The lips of truth remain firm incessantly, but a casual witness adapts a lying tongue. There is cunning in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy follows those who give the advice of peace. The righteous will not grieve, no matter what happens to him, but the wicked will be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who live faithfully are pleasing to Him. A cunning man hides knowledge, and the heart of the foolish reveals foolishness [v. 18–23]. Sorrow in a person’s heart humbles him, but a kind word makes him happy. He is righteous who, for the sake of a friend, does not pay attention to damage [to himself]; but the way of the wicked deceives them. A deceitful person will not receive profit, and the person's property will have the value of gold. Life lies in the path of righteousness, and the indirect path leads to death [v. 25–28]. II:] A wise son is the instruction of his father, but a scoffer does not listen when he is rebuked. From the fruit of his mouth a man will be satisfied with good things, but the soul of the fickle is unjust. He who guards his mouth guards his soul; and whoever is careless in speech will experience evil. The lazy man either wants it or doesn’t want it, but the soul of the working people becomes fattened. A righteous man abhors a lying word, and he who is careless in words will suffer evil; but the wicked both leads others and himself becomes confused. Righteousness preserves the life of the innocent, but wickedness plunges the sinner into disaster. There is a man who seems to be rich, although he has nothing; and there is one who seems to be poor, although he owns a lot of wealth. A man's wealth is the redemption of [his] life; but the poor cannot bear the threat; The light of the righteous will bring joy, but the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. There are always disputes among the arrogant, but those who do everything with reflection are guided by wisdom. Wealth accumulated hastily will decrease, but wealth accumulated by hand will gradually increase. A hope that is not fulfilled saddens the soul, but a desire that is fulfilled is a tree of life. He who speaks evil of something will bind himself in the future, and he who fears the commandment will live in peace. The law for the wise is the source of life, so it turns him away from death. Good instruction gives grace, but in the path of the wicked there is an abyss [of destruction] [v. 1–16]. He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him constantly instructs. The righteous eats and satisfies his soul, but the belly of the wicked is insatiable [v. 25, 26]. [Chapter XIV:] He who walks the righteous path and fears God is despised by the one who walked the inglorious path. In the mouth of a fool is a scourge of pride, but the mouth of the wise guards it [v. 2, 8]. A faithful witness does not lie, but a cunning witness tells a lie. The corrupt seek wisdom and do not find it, but the teaching of the wise is easy. The wisdom of the skilled lies in the knowledge of his life, but the foolishness of fools errs. A fool laughs at sin; and among the righteous there is goodwill. If the heart knows the sorrows of its soul, then no stranger will interfere with its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the houses of the righteous will prosper. There is a path that seems righteous to a person; however, its end leads to death. Laughter is mixed with sorrow, and the end of joy is sorrow [v. 5–18]. The wise man fears and shies away from evil; but a fool does not hold back [transilit] and is self-confident. The impatient does stupid things; but a cunning man is hated [v. 16, 17]. He who despises his neighbor sins. And whoever is merciful to the poor will be blessed. Those who do evil are mistaken. But mercy and truth prepare good things. With every [good] deed there will be abundance; and where there is much talk, there is often need [v. 21–23]. In the fear of God there is firm hope for strength, and His sons will have a refuge (spes). The fear of the Lord is the source of life, to ward off destruction (ruina) in death [v. 26, 27]. He who is patient is governed by much prudence, but he who is impatient exposes his stupidity. A healthy heart means life for the body; and envy is rottenness to the bones. He who discredits the poor dishonors his Creator; but he who shows mercy to the poor honors Him. [Chapter XV:] A meek answer crushes wrath; and rude speech excites rage. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish pours out foolishness [v. 1–2]. The corrupt one does not love his accuser, and does not go to the wise. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasures that do not satisfy. It is better to be invited to a green dish with love than to a fat calf with hatred. An angry person causes enmity, but a patient one tames that which has arisen. The path of the lazy is like a barbed fence, but the path of the righteous is unhindered. A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish man despises his mother [v. 12–20]. Where there is no advice, assumptions are upset, and where there are many advisers, they are strengthened. A man delights in the decision of his mouth, and a timely word is excellent. For the one who is taught, the path to life is to divert [him] from the future hell [v. 22–24]. He who submits to stinginess will throw his house into confusion, but he who hates gifts will live. The mind of the righteous will think of obedience, but the mouth of the wicked will abound in evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, and He will hear the prayers of the righteous. The light of the eyes gladdens the soul, good news fattens the heart. The ear that hears the warnings of life will spend time among the wise. He who rejects instruction despises his soul, and he who heeds warnings is the owner of the heart. The fear of the Lord is training in wisdom, and humility precedes glory [v. 27–33]. [Chapter XVI:] It is man's business to prepare the soul, but it belongs to God to govern the tongue. All human ways are open before His eyes; The Lord weighs souls. Reveal your deeds to the Lord, and your thoughts will be guided. The Lord created everything for His own sake, but the wicked for the evil day. Everyone who exalts himself is an abomination to the Lord; but even if someone gives a pledge, he still will not remain innocent. Through mercy and truth, unrighteousness is redeemed and in the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He will turn his enemies to peace. Better is a little fruit with righteousness than much fruit with unrighteousness. The heart of a man determines his life. But to the Lord belongs the control of his steps. Inspiration is in the mouth of a king, and his mouth does not err in judgment. Measure and weight are the judgments of the Lord; He owns all the weight pebbles in the bag [sacculi vm. saeculi]. All who do wickedness are abomination to kings, because the throne is established by justice. Just lips are pleasing to kings: whoever speaks plainly will be right. The king's indignation is a harbinger of death, and a wise man will appease him. In the joy of the king's face there is life, and his mercy is like the latter rain. Have wisdom, for it is better than gold, and acquire prudence, for it is more precious than silver. The paths of the right reject evil. He who guards his soul preserves his life. Pride precedes contrition, and the spirit rises before a fall. It is better to be humble with the meek than to share the spoils with the proud. He who is taught in glory will discover good, and he who trusts in God is blessed. He who is wise in heart is called prudent, but he who is pleasing in speech will receive more [v. 1–21]. He who is patient is better than the strong, and he who rules over his soul is better than the conqueror of cities. Lots are cast into the fold of the dress; but they come from the Lord. [Chapter XVII] Better a cracker with joy than a house full of broken meat with hostility. The wise slave will rule over foolish sons and divide the inheritance among the brothers. Just as silver is tested by fire and gold is tested in the smelter, so he tests the hearts of the Lord. The wicked obey the tongue of the wicked, and the deceitful adhere to the lips of the wicked. He who despises the poor dishonors his Creator, and he who rejoices in the destruction of another will not go unpunished. The crown of the elders is their grandchildren, and the glory of their sons is their parents. It is indecent for fools to have refined speech, nor for a noble to have lying lips. A precious stone is the most pleasant hope for someone who is waiting; Whoever he turns to, [everyone] will wisely understand [him]. He who hides a crime seeks friendship, and he who repeats it in words before others divides allies. A verbal suggestion has more effect on a prudent person than a hundred blows on a stupid person. The evil one always seeks discord, but an evil angel will be sent against him. It is more profitable to meet a bear who has lost her children than a fool who relies on his stupidity. Whoever repays evil with good, evil will not depart from that [person’s] house. He who releases water is the head of discord, and let him leave the court before he endures abuse. And whoever justifies the wicked, and whoever condemns the righteous, both are alike abominable to God [v. 1–15]. The wicked accepts gifts from within his bosom to pervert the paths of justice. Wisdom shines in the face of the prudent; but the eyes of fools are within the bounds of the earth [v. 23, 24]. He who refrains from speaking is prudent and learned, and a precious spirit is taught together. [Chapter XVIII:] He who wants to retreat from a friend is looking for reasons; but will always be reproached [v. 1]. It is not good to look upon the countenance of the wicked, so as to stray from the truth in judgment [v. 5]. He who is pampered and indecisive is the brother of one who wastes his affairs. The name of the Lord is an unshakable strength; the righteous will run to it and be exalted [v. 10, 11]. The heart of man is exalted before it is brought down, and humbled before it is glorified [v. 13] The righteous is the first to accuse himself; his friend comes and tests him. The lot stops quarrels, and also resolves [litigation] between the strong. A brother who has help from a brother is like an impregnable city; and the courts are like the constipation of cities. Life and death are in the power of the tongue; those who love him will eat his fruits. He who has found a good wife has found good and will receive pleasant things from the Lord. A beggar speaks with entreaties, but a rich man will reprimand coldly. A friendly and sociable person will be a better friend than a brother. [Chapter XIX:] Better is a poor man who walks in simplicity than a rich man who twists his lips and is foolish. Where there is no knowledge of one's soul, there is no good. And he who hastens stumbles with his feet. Man's stupidity entangles his steps, and in his soul he burns against God. Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are separated from those he had. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells a lie will not escape [trouble]. Many revere the face of the powerful and are friends of the one who gives gifts. The poor man's brothers hate him; Moreover, his friends retreated far from him. He who follows only words will have nothing, but he who is the owner of thoughts loves his soul [v. 1–8]. Laziness induces sleep, and an absent-minded soul will starve. Whoever keeps the commandment saves his soul; and whoever is careless about his ways will be killed. He who is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord, and He repays him in return. Teach your son not to despair [of him] [v. 15–18]. A needy person is compassionate, and a poor person is better than a deceitful person. The fear of the Lord comes to life, and he who has it will live fully without being tested by evil [v. 22, 23]. After scourging the destroyer, the foolish will be wiser; if you rebuke the wise, he will learn the instruction. He who saddens his father and persecutes his mother is inglorious and unhappy. Son, do not stop listening to the teaching and do not shy away from the words of knowledge. An unrighteous witness makes fun of the court, and the lips of the wicked are filled with unrighteousness. Judgments are ready for those who scoff, and striking blows for the bodies of fools. [Chapter XX:] Wine is a matter of intemperance, and drunkenness is noisy; whoever delights in them will not be wise [v. 1]. Different scales and different measures [pondus et pondus, etc.] are abominable before God. A youth is recognized by his studies if his work is clean and correct [Art. 10, 11]. Do not like to sleep, and then poverty will not oppress you: open your eyes and be satisfied with bread [v. 13]. Various scales are an abomination to God, and unfaithful scales are not good [v. 23]. [Chapter XXI:] He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will not be heard when he himself cries. A secret gift reduces anger, and a gift on the chest is the greatest indignation. It is joy for the righteous to do just justice, but fear is for those who do injustice. A person who has lost his way from the path of teachings will be counted among the assembly of monsters (in coetu gigantium) [Art. 13–16]. He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from distress. A proud and pretentious person is called ignorant when he reveals pride in anger. Desires kill the lazy, because they did not want to do anything with their own hands; all day long the lazy man lusts and desires [something]; but he who is righteous will give and will not cease. The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, for they are brought from crime. The false witness will perish; the man who speaks well proclaims victory [v. 23–29]. [Chapter XXII:] A good name is better than much wealth [v. 1]. He who is ready for mercy will be blessed, for he gives from his bread to the poor. Drive away the scolder, and the quarrel with him will cease, and the reasons and curses will be eliminated [v. 10]. The lazy one says: “On the street of the Lion: in the middle of the square I must perish” [v. 13]. Whoever speaks evil of the poor in order to increase his wealth gives to the richer and will be poor [v. 16]. Do not do violence to the poor because he is poor, and do not oppress the needy at [your] doors, because the Lord will judge his case and strike those who struck his soul. Do not be a friend to an angry man, and do not go with a fierce man, lest you learn his ways and bring temptation to your soul. Do not be with those who guarantee (defigunt manus suas) and present themselves as sureties for debtors [v. 22–26]. [Chapter XXIII:] Do not undo the boy’s punishments: if you punish him with a rod, he will not die; you will beat him with a rod, and free his soul from hell [v. 13, 14]. Avoid those who drink heavily at feasts and those who cook meat to fill them up at dinners [v. 20]. Do not look at the wine turning red when its color sparkles in the cup. It enters you with pleasure; but later he will bite like a snake and pour out poison like an asp (regulus?) [v. 31, 32]. [Chapter XXIV:] Do not be jealous of evil people and do not desire to be with them, because their mind plots robbery, and their mouth speaks lies [v. 1, 2]. Save those who are sentenced to death and do not cease to free those who are drawn to destruction. Will you say: “I don’t have enough strength?” But the Seer of the Heart knows, and nothing will deceive the one who looks at your soul, and He rewards a person according to his deeds [v. 11, 12]. When your enemy falls, do not rejoice, and do not let his misfortune rejoice your soul, lest the Lord see it, and lest it be displeasing in His sight, and He turn away His wrath from him. Do not argue with evildoers and do not be jealous of the wicked [v. 17–19]. My son, fear the Lord and the king and do not unite with the disobedient, because their destruction will suddenly come, and who knows the trouble from them? Likewise, the wise [said]: “It is not good to show partiality in judgment.” He who says to the wicked, “You are right,” is cursed among the nations, and the nations will hate him. Those who reprove will be praised and blessing will come to them. He who speaks truthful words kisses with his lips [v. 21–26]. Do not be a vain witness against your neighbor and do not caress with your lips. Don’t say: “As he did to me, so I will do to him. I will reward everyone according to his deeds.” I passed through the field of a lazy man, and through the vineyard of a foolish man, and, behold, everything was filled with thorns, and the surface was covered with thorny grass, and the stone wall fell apart. When I saw this, I accepted it into my heart and learned from this example. [Chapter XX:] Do not quickly begin a dispute about what your eyes have seen, lest you later be able to correct it when you dishonor your friend. Talk about your business with your friend, but do not reveal secrets to a stranger, so that he does not attack you when he hears, and does not stop reproaching you. Whoever speaks the word in due time is like golden apples on silver platters. He who rebukes a wise man and has an obedient ear is like a golden earring and a brilliant stone [v. 8–12]. He who sings poetry to a sad heart (pessimo) is like vinegar with saltpeter. If your enemy is hungry, then feed him, and if he is thirsty, then give him water to quench his thirst: you heap coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you [v. 20–22]. A person who cannot control his spirit while speaking is like a city that is not locked and does not have walls around [itself]. [Chapter XXVI:] Like a bird flying over the seas, and a sparrow flying wherever he wants, so a curse pronounced in vain on someone will pass over him. For a horse there is a scourge, for a donkey a bridle, and a rod for the back of the foolish. Do not answer a fool according to his stupidity, lest you become like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he appear wise to himself [v. 2–5]. Just as a dog returns to his uncleanness, so does a fool who repeats his stupidity. Have you seen a man who seems wise to himself; A stupid person has much more success [with] trust. The lazy one says: “A lion is on the way,” and: “A lioness is on the roads.” As a door turns on its hook, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy person puts his hand under his cup and tries to pour it into his mouth. The lazy person seems smarter than seven people who make smart decisions. As the one who grabs the dog by the ears, so does the one who walks by and impatiently; interferes with someone else's dispute. Just as the one who throws spears and arrows to kill is harmful, so the person who deceives [him] harms his friend, and the caught one says: “I did it as a joke.” When there is not enough wood, the fire will go out, and even after the removal of the slanderer, the discord will calm down. Just as coal is for heat, and wood is for fire, so is an angry person for stirring up quarrels. The gossiper's words seem simple, but they reach to the very core [v. 11–22]. The enemy seems reasonable with his words, although he hides cunning in his heart. If he speaks insinuatingly, then do not believe him, because in his heart there are seven abominations. Whoever hides hatred by deception, his malice will be revealed in the congregation. Whoever digs a ditch will fall into it, and whoever throws a stone upward will return to him. A lying tongue does not love the truth, and flattering lips prepare destruction [v. 24–28]. [Chapter XXVII:] Do not boast about the next day, for you do not know what the day that is about to come will give you. Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth; a foreigner, but not your tongue [v. 1, 2]. Open punishment is better than hidden love. Better are wounds from a lover than deceptive kisses from a hater [v. 5, 6]. Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend [v. 10]. The pit and the abyss are not filled, so the eyes of people are insatiable. As silver is tested in the smelter, and gold in the furnace, so is man in the mouth of the one who praises. If you pound a fool in a mortar, his stupidity will not leave him, like barley husks under the blows of a pusher [v. 22]. [Chapter XXVIII:] A poor man who speaks evil of the poor is like heavy rain that causes famine. Those who have forsaken the law praise the wicked, and those who keep it will rebel against him. Evil people do not think about the truth in court; but those who seek the Lord understand all things. Better is a poor man who walks in simplicity than a rich man who walks in corrupt ways [v. 1–6]. He who accumulates wealth through interest and interest, accumulates it for a man who is generous to the poor. Whoever turns away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer is abominable. He who leads the righteous to the path of evil will be cast down in his fall, and the blameless will inherit his blessings [v. 8–10]. He who hides his crimes will not reform, but he who confesses them and forsakes them will receive leniency. Blessed is the man who is always humble; and whoever is cruel will fall into evil [v. 13, 14]. A faithful person will always be praised; and whoever hastens to accumulate wealth will not be innocent. Whoever looks at the face in court does not do well. He leaves the truth even for a piece of bread. A person who is in a hurry to accumulate wealth and is jealous of others does not know that poverty will befall him. He who corrects a person will subsequently receive gratitude from him to a greater extent than he who deceives with the flattering words of his tongue. Whoever deprives his father and mother of something and says: “This is not a sin,” is guilty of murder. He who boasts and speaks much stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be saved. He who completely trusts his heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be saved. He who gives to the poor will have no need; and whoever despises earnest supplications will suffer poverty [v. 20–27]. [Chapter XXIX:] A man who speaks flatteringly and subtly to his friend directly lays a snare under his feet [v. 5]. It is impossible to instruct a slave with words, because he understands what you say, but does not want to obey (contemnit respondere). Have you seen a person who is quick to respond? Correction of stupidity is sooner to be expected than of it [v. 20]. Humiliation follows the proud, but glory awaits the humble. He who shares spoils with a thief hates his own soul; he hears the spell, but does not open [the thief]. He who fears man will soon be cast down; and whoever trusts in the Lord will be exalted. Many are looking for the face of the prince; but the righteous judgment of everyone comes from the Lord. The righteous abhor the wicked man, and the wicked abhor those who stand on the right path [v. 23–27]. [Chapter XXX:] I asked twice: Do not renounce me before I die; remove from me vanity and lying words; do not give me poverty and wealth; Give me only what I need for life, so that when I am satisfied, I will not somehow deny [You] and say: “Who is the Lord?” or, driven by need, did not steal and commit oaths in Your name.” Do not accuse a slave before his master, lest he curse you and you perish [v. 7–10]. [Chapter XXXI:] Open your mouth, judge what is right, and judge the needy and the poor. Let this suffice from the book of Proverbs. Then, delving into the second book of Solomon, which is called Ecclesiastes, we will also present what we found in it suitable for our present book. [Chapter II:] And I saw that wisdom prevails over foolishness as much as light differs from darkness. The eyes of a wise man are in his head: but a fool walks in darkness [v. 13, 14]. [Chapter IV:] Guard your foot when you enter the house of God. For obedience is much better than the sacrifices of fools who do not know what evil they are doing [v. 17]. [Chapter V:] Do not say anything recklessly, and do not let your heart be quick when speaking a word before the face of God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be short. Dreams are accompanied by many worries, and stupidity is found in verbosity. If you promised something to God, do not hesitate to fulfill it, for an unfaithful and reckless vow is displeasing to Him. Do not give your mouth any reason for your flesh to sin, and do not say before the angel: “This is imprudent,” lest the Lord in anger scatter all the works of your hands. Where there are many dreams, there is even more vanity and countless words: but you fear God [v. 1–6]. The greedy will not be filled with money, and the lover of wealth will not receive fruit from it [v. 9]. [Chapter VII:] It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of celebration, for in the former the end of all people is proclaimed, and the living ponders what will happen to him. Sorrow (ira) is better than laughter, because through sorrow the face of a person who sins is corrected. The heart of the wise is where sorrow is, and the heart of a fool is where there is joy: It is better to receive instruction from a wise man than to be deceived by the flattery of fools, for the laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns burning under a cauldron [v. 1–6]. Patient is better than demanding. Do not be quick to anger, because anger dwells in the chest of a fool. Don’t say, “What is the reason that the old times were better than the present?” for such a question is stupid [v. 8–10]. Learning and wisdom have this advantage, that they give life to their possessor [v. 12]. [Chapter VIII:] I keep the king's word and the sworn commandments before God. Do not rush to depart from His presence and continue in evil deeds [v. 2, 3]. From the fact that a sinner does evil a hundred times over and finds patience, I understand that it will be good for those who fear God and worship before Him. May it not be good for the wicked man, and his days will not be long, but those who do not fear the face of God will pass by like a shadow [v. 12, 13]. [Chapter IX:] I said that wisdom is better than strength [v. 16]. Wisdom is better than the weapons of war, and whoever sins in one thing will destroy many good things [v. 18]. [Chapter X:] He who digs a ditch will fall into it, and he who scatters a fence will be bitten by a serpent; and whoever carries stones [from place to place] will stumble over them, and whoever cuts trees will be injured by them. If the iron rebounds and is not the same as before, but dulled, then it is sharpened with great difficulty, and after work wisdom is revealed. If a snake bites silently, then the one who deceives secretly is no less than it. The words of a wise man are grace, but the mouth of a fool will cast him down [v. 8–12]. [Chapter XI:] So rejoice, young man, in your youth; and let your heart be well in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes. But know that for all this God will bring you to judgment. Remove anger from your heart, and put away malice from your flesh, for youth and lust are empty [v. 9, 10]. [Chapter XII:] Remember your Creator in the days of your youth [v. 1]. Fear God and keep His commandments [v. 13]. There still remains that book of Solomon, the inscription of which is: Song of Songs. But what can we bring from it into this when this book in its entirety represents the sacred love of Christ and the Church through figurative speech, and foreshadows with sublime prophetic words, besides, only what it seems in it, however, is the most difficult, but in which we can relatively easily indicate (advertre) how much this divine and divinely inspired love should be desirable, and how valued by me; because not only there, but also in another, and in a third, and again in a fourth place the same thing is repeated (chapters II, III, VIII), namely: I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, with chamois and deer of the field, do not awaken and do not force your beloved to stay awake until she wants [II, 7; III, 5]. I conjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, by the strength and power of the field, do not awaken my love until it pleases [VIII, 4]. In fact, the Church in which we find ourselves, with the above words, convinces its daughters, that is, itself, which consists of many. She herself is the most fruitful field of God, whose powers and actions are great, as far as the martyrs in love for Christ achieved them. For to what extent does He desire to raise the love of His beloved in this same life, if not to the degree about which He taught and convinced by His example, saying: Greater love has no one than this, than if someone lays down his life for his friends (John XV, 13) and fulfilling in practice what was said. Therefore, so that it does not seem that what was said applies to Him alone, John in his epistle says: Just as Christ laid down His life for us, so we must lay down our lives for the brothers (John III:16); So this is what it means: as long as she pleases. In the same Song it reads: Show me love (II, ?). Likewise, Christ Himself says there: You are beautiful, my friend, pleasant and adorned like Jerusalem (VI, 4). And in another place: How beautiful you are and how adorned, beloved, in comeliness (VII, 7). And in another place: [ch. VIII.] Lay me down; like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your shoulder; for love is strong as death, and jealousy is cruel as the grave [v. 6]. And after one line: many waters cannot quench love, and streams cannot overcome it. Even if a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, he would consider it nothing [v. 7]. [Chapter XXIV:] Those who know Him [the Almighty] do not know His days. Some of them move [the neighbor's] boundaries, steal the herds and rob them. [Others] take away the orphan's donkey and take away the widow's ox as a pledge [v. 1–3]. They reap the harvest from a field that is not theirs and sell the vineyard of the one they have oppressed by force. They leave people naked, stripping them of their clothing, so that they have no cover from the cold [v. 6, 7]. In the cities they cause people to groan, and the souls of those struck by them cry out, and God does not allow anyone to leave without avenge 8 . They were enemies of the light; they knew not his ways, neither did they turn to walk in his steps [v. 12, 13]. Let him perish like a barren tree. He frightens the barren and the one who does not give birth, and does not do good to the widow. He has drawn away even the mighty with his power [v. 21, 22]. [Chapter XXIX:] The hearing ear will bless me and the seeing eye will testify for me, because I have delivered the crying poor and the orphan who had no helper. The blessing of the one who was on the verge of destruction came to me and I consoled the heart of the widow. I have clothed myself with righteousness and have clothed myself as with a robe and a bandage with my righteous judgment. To the blind I was an eye, and to the lame I was a foot. I was the father of the poor, and I carefully investigated a matter that I did not know. I crushed the jaws of the unjust and carried away the spoils from his teeth. [Chapter XXXI:] If I walked in vanity, and if my foot hastened on wickedness, then may God weigh me in the scales of the righteous and recognize my simplicity. If my steps should stray from the path, and if my heart should follow my eyes [or: my eye should follow the heart], and if any stain should stick to my hands [v. 5–7]. If my heart were drawn away by a woman, and I plotted at the door of my friend [v. 9]. For this is the greatest evil and great lawlessness. This is a fire that consumes to the end and destroys all branches to the root. If I had neglected to submit to fair judgment with my servant and my maidservant, when they argued with me [v. 11–13]. If I denied the poor their desire and made them wait for the eyes of a widow. If only I would eat my morsel alone, and the orphan would not eat from it. For from the time of my childhood poverty [miseratio] grew with me and came with me from my mother’s womb. If only I had despised the one who was perishing when he had no clothing, and the poor one who had no covering. If only his loins had not blessed me and if he had not been warmed by the waves of my sheep. If I had raised my hand against the orphan even when I saw that I was the most noble at the gate [of the city] [v. 16–21]. If I considered gold to be my strength and said to the purest gold itself: “You are my strong support.” If I rejoiced in my many riches and in the fact that my hand has gained very much [v. 24, 25]. No stranger remained outside [my] house. My doors opened for the traveler. If I, as a man, hid my sin and my untruth in my chest. If I were afraid of a large company of people and the contempt of those close to me frightened me, I would be more silent and would not go out the door. Who will give me a listener so that the Almighty will listen to my desire and the judge himself will write it in the book, so that I will carry it on my shoulder and be covered with a crown, as it were. With every step I take, I will proclaim Him and, as a ruler, I will bring Him a gift. If the earth cries against me and its furrows mourn along with it. If I ate its fruits without reward and grieved the souls of the farmers [v. 32–39]. And now we will collect from the books of the prophets what is necessary for this work; and first of those prophets who, due to the brevity of their scrolls, are called lesser; This is how we discover the following in the prophet Hosea. [Ch. IV:] Children of Israel, hear the word of the Lord, for the Lord has judgment with the inhabitants of the earth. There is no truth on earth, no compassion, no knowledge of God. Curses, lies, murder, theft and adultery flood [the earth] and blood covers the blood [v. 1–2]. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will remove you from offering sacrifices before Me [v. 6]. For they have abandoned the Lord in not keeping [the law]. Fornication and wine and drunkenness have carried away the hearts [v. 10, 11]. For they themselves live with obscene women and make sacrifices with those who have lost their shame. And the people who do not understand will be punished. If you, Israel, commit fornication, then at least let Judas not sin. And go not up to Gilgal, but go up to Betabah; and do not swear: “As the Lord lives” [v. 14–15]. [Ch. V:] They will not give their thoughts to turn to the Lord their God, because the spirit of fornication is among them and they have not known the Lord [v. 4]. [Ch. VI:] Your judgments will appear like light, because I want mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings [v. 5–6]. [Ch. X:] Sow yourselves in righteousness and reap with your lips mercy. Cultivate something new for yourself. But it is time to seek the Lord again; for he will come who will teach you righteousness [v. 12]. [Ch. XII:] And you turn to the Lord God; keep mercy and justice, and always trust in the Lord your God [v. 6]. [Ch. XIII:] But I, the Lord your God, brought you out of the work of Egypt, and you will not know a Master besides Me, and there is no one who saves besides Me [v. 4]. [Ch. XIV:] Turn, O Israel, to the Lord your God, because you have fallen in your wickedness; lift up the words with you, and turn to the Lord, say to Him: “Take away all unrighteousness and accept goodness, and we will offer from our mouths, like bulls (in sacrifice)” [v. 2, 3]. [Ch. I:] Awake, you drunken ones, and weep and howl, all you who drink wine with pleasure, for it has been taken away from your lips. For behold, a people come to my land, strong and numberless [v. 5, 6]. [Ch. II:] Therefore now the Lord says: Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rip your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God, for he is blessed and merciful [v. 12, 13]. [Ch. II:] For three crimes of Judas, and not for four, I will not turn to him; for they rejected the law of the Lord and did not keep His commandments, for their idols deceived them, after which their fathers turned aside [v. 4]. Thus says the Lord: For Israel's three transgressions, and not for four, I will not return to him; because they sold the innocent for silver, and the poor for sandals. They sprinkle ashes on the heads of the poor and lead the humble astray. Son and father come to the same girl, so that they dishonor My holy name [v. 6, 7], and they drank the wine of the condemned in the house of their God. [Ch. V:] For this is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: Seek Me and you will live [v. 4]. Seek the Lord and live [v. 6]. They hated the one who denounced publicly [in porta] and were indignant at the one who spoke completely truthfully. Therefore you rob the poor and take away from him his chosen spoils. For I know your many transgressions and your great (fortia) sins. You are enemies of the right, accepting gifts and receiving the poor in court (in porta) [cm. 11, 12]. Seek good and not evil, so that you may live, and the Lord God of hosts will be with you, as you say. Hate evil and love good, and establish judgment at the gates. Perhaps the Lord of hosts will have mercy on the remnants of Joseph. [Ch. VI:] You who sleep on beds of ivory and luxuriate on your couches; eating a lamb from the flock and a calf from the middle of the pasture, singing to the sounds of the psalter, you think that, like David, you master the instrument of singing; drinking wine from cups and anointing themselves with the finest oil, they do not suffer over Joseph’s calamity [v. 4–6]. [Ch. VIII:] You who torment the poor and seek to weaken the poor of the land and say: “When the harvest [or: month] is past, and we sell the harvest [or: profit] and after the Sabbath we open the barns, then we will reduce the measure [of grain] and increase the price of the shekel, and use counterfeit scales, so that with the help of money we will take possession of the poor and sell the needy for shoes, and we will sell the waste grain [v. 4–6]. [Ch. II:] Woe to those who plot evil and do evil on their beds; in the morning light they do it; for their hand is against God; and they coveted the fields and forcibly captured and plundered the houses and mocked the man and his house, the man and his property [v. 1, 2]. [Ch. III:] Hear this, princes of the house of Jacob, and judges of the house of Israel, you who despise judgment and pervert all truth; who build up Zion with blood, we walk in sorrow before the Lord of hosts. And that is why we now consider demanding people blessed; Indeed, those who do lies are better off; and they tempt God, and remain unharmed. Then those who fear God said, each one to his neighbor: “And the Lord hears and takes heed, and a book of remembrance is written before Him for those who fear God and think on His name. And they will be my flock, says the Lord of hosts, in the day that I do this, and I will spare them, as a father spares his son who serves him. And you will turn and see what a difference there is between the righteous and the wicked, and between those who work for God and those who do not work for Him [v. 13–18]. [Ch. IV:] For behold, the day will come, burning like an oven, and all the proud and the workers of iniquity will be like stubble; and the coming day will set them on fire, says the Lord of hosts, a day that will leave neither root nor seed from them. For you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise and salvation will arise on its rays; And you will go out and stand high with joy, like bulls from a hedge, and you will trample down the wicked, for they will be dust under your feet in the day that I will establish, says the Lord of hosts. [Ch. I:] Wash yourselves, be clean; remove the evil of your thoughts from before my eyes. Stop acting corruptly; learn to do good, seek righteousness, help the oppressed, judge the orphan, defend the widow, and come and reprove Me, says the Lord [v. 16–18]. Your silver has turned to dross; your wine is mixed with water; your princes are accomplices of thieves; everyone loves gifts and strives for profit; orphans are not given justice and the widow’s case does not come to them [for trial] [Art. 22, 23]. [Ch. II:] House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. For You left Your people, that is, the house of Jacob, because, as in ancient times, it was full of [sorcery] and, like the Philistines, had fortunetellers by the flight of birds and entered into relations with the children of foreigners [v. 5, 6]. His land was filled with idols; they worshiped the works of their hands, which their fingers had made [v. 8]. For the day of the Lord of hosts is against everyone who is proud and boasts, and against everyone who boasts, and he will be humbled [v. 12]. [Ch. III:] My people have been plundered by the rulers, and women rule among them. My people! You are deceived - and the path of your walk is perverted by those who call you blessed [v. 12]. For you have spoiled My vineyard, the spoils of the poor in your house. Why do you oppress my people and destroy the face of the poor, says the Lord of hosts? And the Lord said: “Because the daughters of Zion have become proud and walk with their necks stretched out, with defiant glances, they walk noisily and step out with artificial movements with their feet [v. 14–16].... 9 [Ch. V:] Woe to you, who join house to house and cut field to field to the last limit, (to take from your neighbor: Symmachus and Theodotion translated: until there is enough, or there is no place): will you be the only ones living in the middle of the earth? It is in my ears, says the Lord of hosts [v. 8]. Woe to you who rise early for continuous drunkenness and drink until the evening in order to get hot with wine. Harp and harp, and tympanum, and pipe, and wine at your feasts; But you pay no heed to the house of the Lord, neither do you consider the works of His hands [v. 11, 12]. Woe to you who call evil good, who call darkness light and light darkness; sweet is bitter and bitter is sweet. Woe to you who are wise in your own eyes and understanding in your own eyes. Woe to you who are strong for drinking wine and strong men for drunkenness - those who justify the wicked for gifts and take away the lawful from the righteous [v. 20–23]. [Ch. X:] Woe to those who make unrighteous laws and who write unjust sentences to oppress the poor in judgment, and who cause violence in the cause of the poor of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the orphans [v. 1, 2]. [Ch. XI:] The spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and piety, and the spirit of the fear of God will fill Him. He will not judge by sight and not rebuke by hearing, but He will judge the poor with righteousness, and justly rebuke the meek in the earth, and the rod of His mouth will strike the earth, and with the breath of His mouth He will slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness upon His thighs [v. 2–5]. [Ch. XII:] Behold God, my Savior, I will do with confidence and will not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and my praise, and has been my salvation. In joy you will draw water from the springs of the Savior and you will say on that day: “Confess to the Lord and call on His name, make His purposes known among the nations, remember how high His name is. Sing to the Lord, for He has done great things; proclaim it throughout all the earth. Rejoice and be glad, dwelling place of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you [v. 2–6], [Ch. XIII:] I will calm the pride of the violent and humble the pretension of the strong [v. 11]. [Ch. XVII:] The Lord God of Israel says this: On that day man will bow down to his Maker, and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel, and he will not bow down to the altars that his hands have made, and his fingers have formed, and he will not turn to groves and churches of idols [v. 6–8]. [Ch. XXII] On that day the Lord will call for weeping and mourning, for uncovering the head and for wearing sackcloth. But here is joy and gladness: they slaughter bulls and slaughter rams, eat meat and drink wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.” And this word was revealed to My ears from the Lord of hosts: Will this iniquity be forgiven you until you die, says the Lord of hosts [v. 12–14]. [Ch. XXVI:] Open the gates, and a righteous people who keep the truth will enter. Ancient error you will preserve peace - peace, for we trusted in you. Trust in the Lord forever and ever, in the Lord God, the mighty God without ceasing [v. 2–4]. On the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we were with You. Your name and memory of You in the desire of our soul. My soul desires You at night; but in the morning I will also watch with My spirit before You in the depths of my heart. For You have kept Your judgments on the earth, and those who dwell on the earth will learn righteousness. If we have mercy on the wicked, he will not learn the truth. In the land of the saints he has done what is lawless and will not see the glory of God [v. 8–10]. [Ch. XXIX] He who prevailed weakened, and the mocker perished, and all who watch in the work of iniquity, who with words cause man to sin, were destroyed [v. 20, 21]. [Ch. XXX:] Woe to you, apostate sons, says the Lord, because you take counsel, but without Me, and make a covenant, but without My spirit, to add sin to sin. Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: If you turn and cease, you will be saved. In silence and in hope will be your strength; but you didn’t want to [v. 1, 15]. You will consider it an abomination to decorate images of your silver, and the clothing of idols of your gold; and you will scatter them about like the uncleanness of a woman [v. 22]. [Ch. XXXI:] Children of Israel, turn yourselves, for ye have fallen into the depths. For on that day man will cast away the idols of his silver, which your hands have made for you to sin [v. 6, 7]. [Ch. XXXIII:] And faith in your time, wisdom and knowledge will be the riches of salvation, and the fear of the Lord will be its treasure [v. 6]. Which of you can live with consuming fire? Which of you will live with an eternal flame? Who walks in righteousness and speaks the truth? Who will put aside greed and swearing? Who closes his ears so as not to hear about shed blood, closes his eyes so as not to see all evil? He will dwell on high; the stronghold of rocks will be his support. Bread is given to him and his waters do not deceive him [aquae ejus fideles sunt] [vv. 15, 16]. [Ch. XLIV:] Jacob and Israel remember this, that you are My servant; I created you; You are My servant, Israel, do not forget about Me. I have scattered your iniquities like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Turn to Me, for I have redeemed you [v. 21, 22]. [Ch. XLVI] Remember this and be confused and take it to heart, apostates. Remember the former times, for I am the Lord, and there is no other God, neither is there any like me [v. 8. 9]. [Ch. L:] He who walks in darkness has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God [v. 10]. [Ch. LI:] Hear Me, you who know the righteous; a people (populus) in whose heart is My law. Do not be afraid of curses from the nations and do not be afraid of reproaches. For the worm will devour them like clothing, and like moths devour wool; but My salvation will endure forever, and My righteousness throughout all generations [v. 7, 8]. [Ch. LV:] Seek the Lord while you can be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him turn to the Lord; and He will have mercy on him, and on our God, for He forgives many times (multus est ad ignoscendum) [cm. 6, 7]. [Ch. LVI:] Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds fast to this, who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, keeping his hands from doing any evil [vv. 1, 2]. [Ch. LVII:] Comforted by the gods under every spreading tree, slaying children by streams, on high rocks. Your inheritance is among the inheritances [of those living] by the stream. This is your destiny; and you poured out libations to them and made sacrifices. Am I not indignant at this? [Art. 5, 6]. [Ch. LVIII:] And although they seek Me from day to day, and want to know My ways, as if they were a people who do righteousness and have not forsaken the righteous judgment of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgment, they want to get closer to God. “Why did we fast, but You did not watch; We humbled our souls, but You didn’t know?” But (esse) even on the day of your fast your will will be found, and you will seek out all your debtors; you fast for quarreling and bickering, and striking [each other] with your fist. Do not fast as you have done until this day, so that your cry may be heard on high. Is this the fast I have appointed for a person to torment his soul all day long? Is it [necessary], like a circle, turning its head, laying down sackcloth and [throwing] ashes? Will you call this fasting on a day acceptable to the Lord? Isn’t this the better fast that I have chosen? Dissolve the unholy alliance, untie the constraining ties. Set free those who are oppressed and crush every burden. Break off your bread to the hungry and bring the poor and those who have nothing into the house; When you see a naked person, clothe him and do not despise your relatives according to the flesh (carnem tnam) [v. 2–7]. When you remove the fetters from among you and stop stretching out your finger and saying things that are useless; When you have poured out your soul to the hungry and filled your sorrowful soul, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your darkness will become like noon, and the Lord will always give you rest [v. 9–10]. [Ch. LXV:] The people who provoke Me to anger are always before My face, they slaughter a sacrifice in the gardens and make a sacrifice in the kirnich; lives in grave gorges and sleeps in idol caves [v. 3, 4]. They say: “Get away from me, do not touch me, for you are unclean.” This is the smoke of My wrath, a fire that burns all day long. This is what is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay, and I will repay them in the depths for your iniquities and together with the iniquities of your fathers, says the Lord, who performed sacred rites on the mountains and hills and reproached Me, and first of all I will repay them for their deeds in the depths [v. 5–7]. And you, who have abandoned the Lord, who have forgotten My holy mountain, who organize a feast of “happiness” and pour out drink offerings to it, I will number you with the sword, and you will all fall by murder. Because I called you, and you did not respond, I spoke, but you did not listen, and did what was evil in My sight and chose what was displeasing to Me [v. 11, 12]. [Ch. LXVI:] Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my seat, and the earth is the footstool of my feet. What kind of house will you build for me? And what is the place for My rest? My hand has made all this, and all this has been created [by Me], says the Lord. To whom will I look, if not to him who is meek and contrite in spirit and fears My words? [Art. 1, 2]. I will choose disasters for them and bring upon them what they feared; for I called, and there was none that would respond; I spoke, and they did not listen, they did evil in My sight, and they chose what I did not want. Hear the law of the Lord, you who fear His word. Your brothers, who hate you and reject you for My name's sake, said: “Let the Lord be glorified, and we will see [you] in your joy.” But they will be put to shame [v. 4, 5]. [Ch. II:] House of Jacob and branches of the house of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord. What unrighteousness did your fathers find in Me, that they might depart from Me and follow vanity and become vanity [v. 4, 5]. My heritage has been made despised. The priests did not say, “Where is the Lord,” and the keepers of the law did not know Me, and the shepherds deceived Me, and the prophets preached in the name of Baal and followed idols [v. 7, 8]. Will a girl forget about her jewelry, or a bride about the bandage on her chest? But My people have forgotten about Me for many days. Why are you trying to show your path is good for acquiring love; you have shown that your ways are the height of deceit; and on the outskirts of your garment is the blood of the souls of the poor and innocent. But in the pits I found them, but in everything that I said above. And you said: “I am sinless and innocent, and therefore let Your wrath turn away from me.” But now I will sue you because you say: “I have not sinned.” How petty you have become, changing your ways. You will be thrown into confusion by Egypt as well as by Asura. For you will also leave him, and your hands will be above your head, since the Lord has dashed your hopes [v. 32–37]. [Ch. III:] Turn yourselves, children, says the Lord, for I am your Husband [v. 14]. [Ch. IV:] If you Israel turn, then turn to Me, says the Lord. If you remove from My presence that which grieves Me, you will not be in danger. And [if] you swear, “As the Lord lives,” truly, truly and justly, then the nations will bless Him and praise Him [v. 1, 2]. My foolish people have not known Me; they are foolish and evil-hearted sons; They are cunning in evil deeds, but do not know how to do good [v. 22]. [Ch. V:] Go around the paths of Jerusalem, look and think and search in its squares, if you will not find there a man who does righteousness and seeks faith, and I will be merciful to him. For although they swear an oath: “As the Lord lives”; but this they swear falsely. Lord, Thy eyes look upon faith. You struck them, but they showed no sorrow; You oppressed them, but they do not want to accept instructions: they hardened their faces more than a stone and did not want to convert. I said: “Perhaps they are poor, foolish, ignorant of the way of the Lord and the judgment of their God. Let me go to the rich and tell them, for they have come to know the essence of the Lord, the righteous judgment of their God.” But they also broke the yoke even more and broke the bonds [of the law] [v. 1–5]. Your sons have forsaken Me and swear by those who are not gods. I have satisfied them, but they commit fornication and commit immorality in the house of a harlot. They are like zealous horses, each neighing at his neighbor's wife. Will I not turn against such people, says the Lord, and will not My hand take vengeance on such a people? [Art. 7–9]. Who set the sand as the border of the sea, as an eternal reserved place, which the sea cannot cross; and [the waves] move, but are powerless; and its streams swell, but they will not pass over it. But the hearts of this people became distrustful: they retreated and went away, and did not say in their hearts: “Let us fear the Lord our God” [v. 22–24]. The wicked are found among My people; They set up ambushes like bird catchers, setting up snares and traps to capture people. Just as the henhouse is full of birds, so their house is full of cunning; therefore they became magnified and enlarged, became fat, grew fat, and circumvented My words in the most lawless manner. You haven’t examined the orphan’s case, and they don’t discuss court cases. Will I not turn against such people, says the Lord, will not My soul turn against such a people with retribution? An amazing and amazing thing is happening on earth. The prophets preached lies, the priests applauded them with their hands, and My people loved them. So, what will happen [to them] lately? [Art. 26–31]. [Ch. VI:] To whom will I speak and whom will I exhort so that he may hear? Their ears are uncircumcised and they cannot listen; Now the word of God has become an object of ridicule among them and they do not accept it [v. 10]. [Ch. VII:] Hear the word of the Lord, all Judah, who enter through this gate to worship the Lord: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Make your ways and your deeds good, and I will dwell with you in this place. Do not trust the words of lies that say, “This is the church of the Lord, the church of the Lord, the church of the Lord.” For if you direct your ways and your doings well; and if you judge correctly between a person and his neighbor, and you will not offend the stranger, the orphan and the widow, and you will not shed innocent blood in this place and follow foreign gods to your own misfortune; then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers from everlasting to everlasting. So you trust false words that have not helped you: to steal, to kill, to commit adultery, to swear a false oath, to pour libations to Baal and to follow foreign gods whom you do not know; and then come to Me and stand before Me in this house, in which My holy name is called upon! You say, “We are liberated,” to [then again] commit all these abominations. Thus this house became a cave of thieves, although My name was called upon in it before you. I, I am, I have seen it, says the Lord. Go to My place in Shiloh, where My name dwelt from the beginning, and see what I have done for the wickedness of My people Israel. And now, since you are doing all these things,” says the Lord, “and I spoke to you, beginning in the morning, and you did not listen, and I called you, and you did not respond; I will do to this house in which my name was called, and in which you trusted, and to the place that I gave to your fathers, even as I did Shiloh. And I will cast you out from before me, as I have cast away your brethren, all the seed of Ephraim. So, do not pray for this people and do not accept prayer and grateful praise for them, and do not insist before Me, for I will not hear you. Don't you see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? Children gather wood, and fathers kindle a fire, and women melt fat to make pies for the queen of heaven, and pour out libations to strange gods, and they provoke Me to anger. Do they not provoke Me to anger, says the Lord, do they not bring themselves to shame to their own faces? [Art. 2–19]. [Ch. VIII:] Will not he who falls rise, and he who turns away will not return? So, why did this people in Jerusalem turn away with obstinacy; they have internalized the lie and are unwilling to convert. I strained my attention and listened: no one says good things; There is no one who repents of his sin and says: “Why have I done this” [v. 4–6]. How do you say: “We are wise; and the law of the Lord is with us"; the lying reed of the scribes actually turned [him] into a lie. The wise were dismayed, horrified and caught; for they have rejected the word of the Lord, and there is no wisdom in them [v. 8, 9]. [Ch. IX:] Who will give Me a refuge for travelers in the wilderness, and I will leave my people and depart from them? For they are all adulterers and a crowd of traitors. And they stretched out their tongue like the bow of lies and not of truth; They have become strong on the earth, because they have gone from evil to evil and have not known Me, says the Lord. Let everyone beware of his neighbor and let him not have confidence in any of his brothers, because every brother diligently sets (suppiautans supplautavit) his brother’s foot, and every friend acts with deception, and a person will overpower his brother, but they do not speak the truth. They taught their tongue to speak lies and tried diligently to do injustice. Your dwelling is surrounded by cunning; in their deceit they refused to know Me. Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will melt them and try them! For what shall I do from the face of the daughter of my people? Their tongue is like an arrow that wounds; deceit speaks in its mouth; proclaims peace to his friend, but secretly prepares an ambush. Shall I not visit such, says the Lord, or shall My soul take vengeance on such a generation? [Art. 7–8]. This says the Lord: Let not the wise boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty boast in his strength, and let not the rich boast in his wealth; But let him who boasts boast in this, that he knows and has known Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises judgment and righteousness and mercy on earth, and this pleases Me, says the Lord [v. 22–23]. [Ch. X:] Thus says the Lord: Do not learn according to the ways of the nations, and do not fear the signs of heaven, which the pagans fear, for the laws of [other] nations are empty, since the hand of an artist cuts out of the forest with an axe, decorates it with gold and silver and drives it in with nails and hammers so that it does not fall apart; they are made like a pillar and do not speak; they are lifted up to be carried, since they are not able to walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they can do neither good nor evil. Lord, there is no one like You; great are You and great is Your name in strength. Who will not fear You, Lord of nations; for this belongs to You among all the wise men of the nations, and among all their kingdoms there is none like You. They will be declared foolish and holy fools: the tree is their empty teaching. Overhead silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Ophaz, the work of the artist and the hands of the coppersmith; his robe is hyacinth and purple, all the work of the artist. And the Lord is the true God, He is the living God and the eternal King. Because of His indignation the earth will be shaken, and the nations will not withstand His threats. So tell them in this way: “The gods who did not create heaven and earth will perish from the face of the earth and from the heavenly places [v. 1–11]". [Ch. XVII:] This says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and considers the flesh to be his support, and his heart departs from the Lord; for he will be as if naked (myricae) in the desert and will not see when good comes; but he will live in a dry desert, in a salty and uninhabited land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and the Lord will be his sure hope. And he will be like a tree planted on the waters, which sends out its roots until it is wet, and will not be afraid when summer comes, and its leaves will be green; in times of drought it will not be troubled, and will never fail to bear fruit [v. 5–8]. [Ch. XXII:] This says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness and free the oppressed by force from the hand of the offender; Do not grieve the stranger, the orphan, or the widow, or oppress unjustly, and do not shed innocent blood in this place [v. 3]. [Ch. XXIII:] Woe to the shepherds who scatter and tear in pieces the flock of my flock, says the Lord. And therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel to the shepherds who feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock, and scattered them, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit your wickedness because of your deeds, says the Lord [v. 1–2]. This says the Lord of hosts: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who preach to you; they cheat; They proclaim the visions of their hearts, and not from the mouth of the Lord. They say to those who slander Me: “The Lord has said: You will have peace”; and to everyone who walks with a corrupt heart, they say: “Evil will not come to you; for who was present in the council of the Lord?” [Art. 15–18]. I did not send prophets, but they themselves ran away; I did not tell them, but they themselves prophesied. If they stood in My council and made My words known to My people, then, of course, I would turn them from their evil ways and from their most wicked thoughts [v. 21, 22]. I have heard what the prophets have said, preaching lies in My Name and saying: “I saw a dream; I had a dream." How long will this lie in the hearts of the prophets, who prophesy lies and preach the deceptions of their hearts. They want to make My people forget My Name because of the dreams of their hearts, which each one passes on to his neighbor, just as their fathers forgot My name for the sake of Baal. The prophet who has seen the dream, let him tell the dream; but he who has My word, let him convey My word. What do straw and wheat have in common, says the Lord. Are not My words like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, each of whom steals My words from his neighbor. Behold, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who take their tongue and say: “God speaks.” Behold, I am against the prophets who invent lies, says the Lord, who told them to My people and deceived My people with their lies and their miracles, although I did not send them or command them; They brought no benefit to this people, says the Lord [v. 25–32]. [Ch. XXV:] The Lord sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending; But you did not hear and did not incline your ears to hear when He said: Turn every one from your evil way and from your wicked thoughts, and you will dwell in the land that the Lord gave you and your fathers from everlasting to everlasting, and do not go after foreign gods, to serve them and worship them, and lest you provoke Me to wrath with the works of your hands, and lest I grieve you. But you did not listen to Me, says the Lord [v. 4–7]. And a little later, [XVIII:] Cursed is every man who does the work of the Lord with deceit (?) Also a little later [Lamentations III:] The Lord is good to those who trust in Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good to wait in silence for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for the husband when he bore the burden from his youth. He will sit alone and be silent, for he has risen above himself. He will lay down his lips in dust, if there is still hope. He will offer his cheek to another and will be pleased with the reproaches, for the Lord does not abandon [man forever, v. 25–31]. From the book of the prophet EZEKIEL [Ch. III:] And when seven days had passed the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man! I have made you an overseer over the house of Israel, and you will listen to the word from My mouth and tell them from Me. If, when I say to the wicked: “You will surely die,” you do not proclaim and tell him to turn from his wicked way and live, then the wicked will die in his wickedness, and I will require his blood at your hand. If you tell the wicked, but he does not turn from his wicked way and from his iniquity; then, indeed, he will die in his iniquity, but you have freed your soul. But even if the righteous, turning away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and I put an obstacle before him, and he perishes, because you did not tell him; he will die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done will not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you tell the righteous that the righteous will not sin, and he does not sin, he will live because you told him; and you have set your soul free [v. 17–21]. [Ch. IX:] And the Lord said to him: Go through the middle of the city, in the middle of Jerusalem, and write the letter Tav [ת] on the foreheads of the men who groan and mourn over all the abominations that are committed in its midst; and he said to them as I listened: Go through the middle of the city, following him and striking. Let your eye not spare: strike to death the old man, the young man, the maiden, the child, and the woman. But do not kill anyone on whom you see a tav; but begin at my sanctuary [v. 4–6]. I:] Because you made the heart of the righteous grieve with lies, whom I did not grieve, and strengthened the hands of the wicked so that he would not turn and live [v. 22] 10 . [Ch. XVI:] This was the unrighteousness of your sister Sodom: pride, abundance of bread and abundance, and the idleness of her and her daughters; but to the needy and the poor they did not stretch out their hands; and they became arrogant and committed abominations before Me, and as you have seen, I have rejected them [v. 49, 50]. [Ch. XVIII:] If the husband is righteous and does justice and righteousness, and does not eat sacrifices on the high places, and does not lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, and does not commit violence against his neighbor’s wife, and does not go in with a woman who has her monthly purification, and does not grieve a man; if he gives a pledge to the debtor and does not take anything by force, if he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothes; if he does not lend on interest and does not take in excess; if he turns away his hand from iniquity; If he judges with righteousness between man and man, and walks in My commandments, and observes judgments, to do what is right, then he is righteous; he will live a real life (vita vivet), says the Lord God. But if he gives birth to a robber who sheds blood and does any one of the above, and even if he does not do all this, but eats on high, and defiles his neighbor’s wife, oppresses the poor and needy; he who commits robbery, who does not return the deposit, and who lifts up his eyes to idols, who commits abominations, who gives in interest and takes in excess; then will [such a one] live? He will not live, for, having done all this worthy of disgust, he will die. His blood will be on him. But if he begets a son who, seeing all the sins of his father that he committed, is afraid and does not do anything like them: you will not eat on high, and will not lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, will not commit violence against his neighbor’s wife, will not grieve a man, will not withhold a pledge, will not commit robbery, will give bread to the hungry and cover the naked with clothing; He will turn away his hand from offending the poor, he will not take interest or interest, he will do My judgments and walk in My commandments: such a one will not die in the iniquity of his father, but will live. His father, who oppressed and did violence to his brother, and did evil among his people, behold, he is dead in his iniquity. And you say: “Why is the son not responsible for his father’s lies?” But because the son did justice and righteousness and kept all my commandments and kept them: he will truly live. The soul that has sinned will itself die. The son will not bear responsibility for the untruth of his father, and the father will not bear responsibility for the untruth of his son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked brings repentance for all his sins that he has committed and will keep all My commandments and will do justice and righteousness; then he will live and not die. I will not remember all the untruths he has committed: he will live in the righteousness that he has committed. Do I desire the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not that he should turn and live? But if a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits unrighteousness according to all the abominations that the wicked usually do, will he really live? All the truth that he has done will not be remembered to him: he will die in his betrayal, which he allowed, and in his sin, which he committed. And you say: “The way of the Lord is unjust.” So listen, O house of Israel: Is my way wrong? Are not your ways more corrupt? For when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits unrighteousness, he will die in them; he will die in the injustice he has committed. And when the wicked turns from his wickedness, which he allowed to commit, and does justice and righteousness, he will give life to his soul. For he reflected and turned away from all his iniquities which he had committed; he will truly live and not die. And the children of Israel say: “The way of the Lord is unjust.” Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Are not your ways more corrupt? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Turn and repent of all your iniquities, and iniquity will not be destroyed. Throw away from yourself all your betrayals with which you have cheated, and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit, and then why should you die, O house of Israel? For I do not desire the death of the dying, says the Lord God: turn and live [v. 5–32]. [Ch. XXII:] Behold, the princes of Israel will be with you for shedding blood by the strength of your hand. Your father and mother were abused; the stranger was covered with shame in your midst; You have made the orphan and the widow sad. They have despised My sanctuaries and profaned My Sabbaths. They were informers for you to shed blood; and on the high places they ate [sacrifices] from you: they committed a crime in your midst. The most shameful things of [their] father were revealed to you, and the uncleanness of a woman (menstruatae) was belittled. And each one dishonored his neighbor's wife, and the son-in-law criminally defiled his daughter-in-law; Your brother commits violence against his sister, his father’s daughter. For shedding blood you receive gifts. You took interest and growth and out of greed you committed violence against your neighbor, and you forgot about Me, says the Lord [v. 6–12]. And the word of the Lord came to Me, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art an unclean land, not watered for the day of wrath. Among her is a crowd of soothsayers. They destroyed the soul, like a roaring lion seizing its prey; they took [by force] wealth and wages; increased the number of widows among her. His priests have despised My law and have defiled My sanctuaries; they made no distinction between holy and profane, and paid no attention to profane and unclean [v. 24–26]. His princes are among him like wolves, rushing upon prey to shed blood and destroy souls and greedily pursue their own gain. And her prophets cajole them excessively, having empty visions and inventing lies and saying: “Thus says the Lord,” although the Lord did not say this. The people of the country allow themselves to be bullied and forcibly plundered, distressing the poor and needy and cursing the stranger, without being subjected to justice (absque judicio). And I was looking for a man among them who would put a limit and stand against Me in defense of the country, so that I would not destroy it, and I did not find it. And I poured out my indignation on them and consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I turned their way upon their heads, says the Lord God [v. 27–31]. [Ch. XXXIII:] And the word of the Lord came to Me, saying: Son of man, turn to the sons of your people and say to them: The earth, if I bring a sword against it, and if the people of [that] land raise up one man from among the newest, and make him a steward over them, - both [she and] he will see the sword drawn upon the earth; and if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, and if anyone hears the sound of the trumpet and is not careful, and when the sword falls and destroys him; then his blood will be on himself. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but was not careful: his blood would be on him. If he is careful, he will save his life. But if (quod si) the guardian, seeing the approaching sword, does not sound the trumpet, and the people do not take precautions, and the sword falls and destroys a soul among them, although it was caught in its iniquity; then the blood of such will I require at the hand of the guard. And behold, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Therefore, hearing the speech from My mouth, tell them in My name. If, when I say to the wicked: O wicked man, you will surely die, you do not tell the wicked to beware of his way, then the wicked himself will die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. If, when you declare to the wicked that he should turn from his ways, he does not turn, then he will die in his iniquity, but then you saved your soul. Therefore, you, son of man, say this to the house of Israel: You said this: “Our iniquities and our sins are upon us, and we are faint from them; then how could we live?” Tell them: As I live, says the Lord God, I do not want the death of the sinner, but that the wicked should turn from his evil way and live. Turn, O house of Israel, from your wicked ways, and why should you die? Therefore, you son of man, say to the sons of your people: The righteousness of a righteous man will not set him free on the day that he sins, and the wickedness of the wicked will not harm him on whatever day he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous cannot live by his righteousness on whatever day he sins. And even if I said to the righteous: You will live, but he, relying on his righteousness, commits unrighteousness; however, all his righteous deeds will be consigned to oblivion, he will die precisely in that untruth that he allowed. And if I say to the wicked: You will die, and he will repent of his sin and do justice and righteousness; If he returns the pledge he took, gives back what he took, walks in the commandments of life, and does not do anything unjust, then he will live and will not die. All the sins he committed will not be imputed to him. He created judgment and righteousness and will truly live. And the sons of your people will say: “The way of the Lord is wrong (non aequi ponderis). But their path is unrighteous. For when a righteous man departs from his righteousness and commits unrighteousness, he will die in it. And when the wicked turns away from his wickedness and does justice and righteousness, he will live by them. And you say: “The way of the Lord is wrong.” House of Israel! I will judge each of you according to his ways [v. 2–20]. But you, son of man, the sons of your people talk about you near the walls and in the doors of houses, and they say to each other, [each] person to his neighbor like this: “Come and listen to what is the word that comes from the Lord, they come to you, as if a people’s meeting is being held, and they sit before you; [these are] My people and they listen to your words, but do not pay attention to them, for they turn them into songs for their lips, but their heart obeys their gluttony. And you appear to them as if it were a sweet poem that is sung pleasantly and mellifluously, and they listen to your words, but do not pay attention to them. And when what was predicted is fulfilled—for it is already coming—then they will know that there was a prophet among them [v. 30–33]. [Ch. XXXIV:] And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, prophesy concerning the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to the shepherds: This says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who fed themselves. Are not the flocks tended by shepherds? You ate milk and were covered with waves, and slaughtered the fattened food; but you did not feed my flock. You did not strengthen that which was not strong, and you did not heal the sick, you did not bind the broken, and you did not bring back the absent, you did not look for the lost; but with severity they commanded with force. And My sheep were scattered, and My flocks began to wander on all the high places and on every prominent hill, and My flocks were scattered over all the face of the earth. And there was no one who would find them, there was no one, I say, who would look for them. Therefore, shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord. I live, says the Lord God, because My flocks became the prey of theft, and My sheep fell to be torn to pieces by all the wild beasts, because there was no shepherd (for the shepherds did not seek My flocks; but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flocks) - therefore, shepherds, listen to the word of the Lord: This says the Lord: Behold, I myself am against the shepherds, I will exact My flock from their hand and make them stop not feed him already, but rather feed ourselves; And I will deliver My flock from before them, so that it will no longer be food for them [v. 2–10]. And you, my flocks, thus says the Lord, behold, I will judge between cattle and cattle, between sheep and rams. Wasn't it enough for you to graze in good pasture? And you also trampled the remnants of your pastures under your feet; and when they drank the purest water, they disturbed the remaining water with their feet, and My sheep eat what is trampled under your feet. Therefore, thus, says the Lord God to them: Behold, I will judge between the fat cattle and the lean cattle, because you jostled with your shoulders and sides, and pierced all the weak cattle with your horns until you had scattered them far [v. 17–21]. [Ch. XLV:] This says the Lord God: Enough is enough for you, O rulers of Israel. Forsake unrighteousness and robbery, do justice and righteousness, and separate your borders from My people, says the Lord God. Let you have real scales and a real grain measure for liquids (beatus). We have presented this from those books that are also recognized by the Jews as canonical, and in which we found something corresponding to the present work. But we should not skip those [books] about which, although it is known that they were written before the coming of Christ, but which were not accepted by the Jews, the Church of the same Savior accepts them. Among them there are two which are called by many by the name of Solomon for some, as I believe, similarity in the manner of speech; in fact, some more learned people have no doubt that they do not belong to Solomon. And yet it is not known who the author of the book is, which is called the book of Wisdom 11. But about that other one, which we call Ecclesiasticus, it is known that it was written by a certain Jesus called Sirach - [it is known] among those who read the same book in its entirety. Thus, from the book of Wisdom, the following seemed to me to be appropriate to this work. [Ch. 1:] You who judge the earth, love righteousness. Think about God in goodness, and seek Him in simplicity of heart. For He is found by those who do not tempt Him; but is to those who have faith in Him. After all, corrupt thoughts remove from God, and tested virtue corrects the foolish, since wisdom will not enter an evil soul and will not dwell in a body given over to sins. For the Holy Spirit avoids cunningly invented instructions, and withdraws from foolish thoughts and withdraws from the prevailing unrighteousness. After all, the spirit of wisdom is gracious and does not let slander come from its lips, for God is the witness of his womb and the true tester of his heart and listener of his tongue. After all, the spirit of God fills (replevit) the circle of the earth; and that which fills everything has knowledge of the [human] word. Therefore, he who speaks a lie cannot hide, and judgment will pass over him to correct him. For questioning is in the thoughts of the wicked, but the hearing of his words will reach the Lord to correct his iniquities. After all, the ear of a zealot hears everything and the noise of murmuring cannot be hidden. So, beware of murmuring, which does not help at all, and guard your tongue from betrayal, for secret speech will not go unpunished. Lying lips kill the soul [v. 1–11]. [Ch. III:] Those who trust in Him will know the truth, and those who are faithful in love will find peace in Him; For to the elect is gift and peace; and the wicked will have punishment according to what they thought, if they neglected justice and apostatized from God. After all, the one who throws away wisdom and instruction is unhappy [v. 9, 10, 11]. Happy is the barren and undefiled, who has not known the criminal bed; it will bear fruit in rewarding souls; and the eunuch also, if he became such not through the crime of his own hands, and did not think against the Lord wickedness, wicked before the Lord [v. 13, 14]. [Ch. VI:] So, kings, listen and understand; and you, judges, will learn the truth of the ends of the earth. Open your ears, you who possess the multitude and have pleasure in the presence of the multitude; For power has been given to you from the Lord, and strength from the Most High, who will question your deeds and search your thoughts. Because you, the servants of His kingdom, judged unrighteously and did not keep the law of righteousness and did not walk according to the will of the Lord. He will appear to you fearfully and quickly, since the strictest judgment will befall the leaders. In fact, after all, the little man will be given indulgence; but the mighty will suffer grievous affliction; for the Lord will not be afraid of the face of any man, nor will he be afraid of any greatness. After all, He created both the great and the insignificant, and He has the same care for everyone. But the strongest will suffer the greatest suffering. These words of mine are addressed to you, evil kings, so that you may learn wisdom and not retreat. After all, those who righteously preserve the truth, and whoever learns this, will find something to answer. Therefore, seek My words and love them, and you will be instructed. After all, wisdom is bright and does not weaken, and is easily seen by those who love it, and is found by those who seek it. She warns those who strongly desire that she should appear to them first. Whoever stays awake in the morning for her sake will not be weary, for he will find her sitting at the entrance of his house; for to think about her is the progress (consummalus) of the mind, and whoever watches for her sake will soon be safe, since she goes around those worthy of herself, looking for them, and joyfully shows herself to them on the paths, and meets them with every desire (providentia). Its beginning lies in the very real desire for instruction. So, caring about teaching love [towards her]; and love is the preservation of its laws. And the preservation of laws is an affirmation of integrity; and integrity brings one closer to God; so that the desire for wisdom leads to the eternal kingdom. Therefore, if you, kings of nations, delight in thrones and sceptres, love wisdom, so that you may reign forever [v. 1–21]. [Ch. VIII:] If someone loves the truth, then his works are great virtues: it teaches sobriety and justice, and courage, more useful than which there is nothing in people’s lives [Art. 7]. And now we must present what seems [necessary] to us from the book called Ecclesiasticus. About it I would also consider it necessary to say what I said before about the book of Proverbs, although in this Ecclesiasticus I found more than there that is necessary for the present work. From the book EKKLE3IASTIK [The Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach] [Ch. I:] The fear of the Lord is godly knowledge [or: piety]. Piety will preserve and justify the heart and give joy and joy. He who fears the Lord will do well, and in the days of his death he will be blessed [v. 11–13]. The perfection of wisdom is the fear of God, and the fullness of its fruits [v. 16]. The fear of the Lord, the crown of wisdom [v. 18], the root of wisdom is the fear of the Lord: its branches are long-lasting. In the treasuries of wisdom are understanding and piety of knowledge, but wisdom is hateful to sinners. The fear of the Lord drives out sin. For he who is without fear cannot be justified; after all, his anger with enthusiasm is his destruction (death). A wise man is patient for a time, and then the reward is pleasant. A good feeling hides his words for a while, and the lips of many will proclaim his thoughts. If you desire wisdom, observe the truth, and then God will give it to you; For wisdom and instruction are the fear of the Lord; and what pleases Him is faith and meekness, and He will fill your treasures. Do not be distrustful of the fear of God and do not approach Him with double-mindedness. Do not be a hypocrite among people and do not seduce with your lips; be careful not to accidentally fall and throw your soul into confusion. And the Lord will reveal your secrets and put you to shame in the midst of the congregation. For you have approached the Lord maliciously; and your heart is full of cunning and deceit [v. 20–30]. [Ch. II:] Son! When you begin to serve the Lord, stand in fear and righteousness and prepare your soul for temptation, and humble your heart and endure. Incline your ear and receive the words of understanding, and do not be hasty in times of temptation. Endure the test of God, cleave to God and endure, so that in the end your life will increase. Accept everything that is destined for you, endure it in sorrow, and have patience in your humility. For gold and silver are tested in fire, but well-pleasing people in the crucible of humility. Believe in God and He will restore you; improve your life and trust in Him. Keep fear of Him and grow old in it. Those who fear the Lord, trust firmly in His mercy and do not turn away from Him, lest you fall. You who fear the Lord, believe in Him, and your reward will not be taken away. Those who fear the Lord, trust in Him, and mercy will come to you with joy. You who fear the Lord, love Him, and your hearts will be enlightened. Sons! Look at the tribes of the nations and know: Who trusted in the Lord and was put to shame, or continued in His commandments and was forsaken, or who called on Him and was given sight? For God is good and merciful, and in times of trouble will forgive the sins of all who seek Him in truth. Woe to the double-hearted, to the wicked lips, to the evil-doing hands, and to the sinner who walks the earth in a double way. Woe to those who are irresolute in their hearts, who do not believe in God, so they will not be under His protection. Woe to those who have lost patience, abandoned the right paths and turned to corrupt ways. What will you do when the Lord looks [on you]. Those who fear the Lord will not distrust His word, and those who love Him will keep His ways. Those who fear the Lord will seek that which is pleasing to Him, and those who love Him will be filled with His law. Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts and sanctify their souls before Him. Those who fear the Lord keep His commandments and have patience until the time of His visitation, saying: “If we do not repent, we will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men. For according to His greatness is His mercy.” [Ch. III:] Sons of wisdom, Church of the righteous and their race, obedience and love! Listen to the judgment of your father, and listen so that you may be saved [v. 1?] He who loves God will pray for sins and abstain from them, and will be heard in daily prayer. He who honors his mother is like one who collects treasures. He who honors his father will have pleasure in his children. He who honors his father will live a long life, and he who obeys his father will calm his mother. He who fears God honors his parents and serves those who gave birth to him as masters. Honor your father in word and deed with all patience, so that a blessing from the Lord may come upon you [v. 3–8]. Do not boast about the dishonor of your father [v. 10]. Son, accept your father’s old age and do not grieve him in his life. And if he becomes weak in mind, forgive him and do not despise him in your strength [v. 12, 13]. Oh, how bad is the rumor [about the one] who leaves his father, and cursed from God is the one who despises his mother. Son, perform your deeds in meekness, and you will be loved above the glory of men. As great as you are, [so] humble yourself in everything, and you will find grace with God, since only the power of God is great and He is revered by the humble. Do not seek your higher self and do not explore what is more difficult for your strength; but always think about what God has commanded you, and do not be curious about many of your affairs. After all, you do not need to see with your own eyes what is hidden from you [v. 16–22]. Indeed, many have found their assumptions difficult, and their meaning has been shaken in vanity. A cruel heart will ultimately (in novissimo) endure evil, and whoever loves danger will perish from it. A heart that walks in two ways will not succeed, and a person who has a corrupt heart will fall into temptation through it. An unjust heart will be burdened with sorrows, and the sinner will increase the number of sins [v. 24–27]. A wise heart is revealed in wisdom, and a good ear eagerly listens to wisdom. A heart that is wise and capable of knowledge will abstain from sins and will have success in deeds of righteousness. Water quenches a blazing fire, and alms counteracts sins: and God is a spectator of the one who shows mercy, in the subsequent time he remembers, and in the day of your fall you will find firm support [v. 29–31]. [Ch. III:] Son! do not deceive [the expectations of] the beggar in alms, and do not turn your eyes away from the poor. Do not despise the soul of the hungry and do not grieve the poor for his lack. Do not sadden the heart of a needy person and give away alms to those in difficulty. Do not reject the request of the suffering one and do not turn your face away from the poor. Do not take your eyes off the one in need because of anger, and do not give [a reason] for those who ask to slander you, for the prayer of the one who curses you in spiritual grief will be heard, and He who created him will listen to him. In the assembly of the poor, be pleasant and humble your soul before the elder (presbytero), and before the noble bow your head; without sorrow, incline your ear to the poor, and repay your debt, and answer him peacefully with meekness. Free the one who suffers insult at the hands of the proud, and do not carry indignation in your soul. During the judgment, be merciful - to the orphans, like a father, and like a husband to their mother, and you will be like an obedient son of the Most High, and He will have mercy on you more than a mother. Wisdom breathed life into her sons and accepted those who sought her and preceded them on the path of righteousness. And those who love it, love life, and who are awake for it, they will understand its sweetness. Those who held it will inherit life, and God will bless [the one] to whom it goes. Her servants will obey the holy one, and God loves those who love her. He who listens to her judges the nations. He who looks at her will live with firm confidence. If he believes in it, he will inherit it, and their descendants (creaturae illorum) will have firm confidence. For she will go with him in temptation, and will choose him among the first. She will bring fear and apprehension upon him, and then a trial and will torment him with the difficulties of her teaching, until she tests him in his thoughts and trusts his soul, and strengthens him, and again directly comes to him, and rejoices him, and reveals her secrets to him, and collects, as in a treasury, knowledge and understanding of justification for him. If he falls into error, then she will leave him and deliver him into the hands of her enemy. Son! observe the time and avoid evil. For the sake of your soul, do not be ashamed to speak the truth, for there is shame that produces sin, and there is shame that leads to glory and grace. Do not be partial to yourself (ad faciem tuam) and do not accept lies against your soul; do not bow down to your neighbor in your work and do not keep your word during salvation. Do not hide your wisdom in its brilliance. For wisdom and meaning are learned by the tongue, and knowledge and teaching by words of truth, and steadfastness by works of justification. Do not contradict the truth in any way and do not be ashamed of the lies of your ignorance. Do not be ashamed to confess your sins and do not submit to man because of sin. Do not rebel against the face of a powerful man and do not rush against the flow of the river. Fight in righteousness for your soul and strive to the death for the truth, and God will come out against your enemies for you. Do not be quick with your tongue and useless and lazy in your deeds. Do not be like a lion in your own house, striking down those in your household and oppressing those under your control. Let not your hand be stretched out to take, nor be bent when it ought to be given [v. 1–35]. [Ch. V:] Do not strive for unjust possession and do not say: “My life is abundant,” for during punishment and testing nothing will help. Do not follow the desires of your heart and do not say: “How could I [do this]” or: “Who will subject me [to punishment] for my sins”? After all, God will punish. Also do not say: “I have sinned and something sad will happen to me,” for the Almighty is a long-suffering rewarder. Be afraid of the punishment of sinners and do not add sin to sin, and do not say: “Great is the mercy of God: He will condescend to the multitude of my sins,” for mercy and wrath quickly come from Him, and His wrath will look upon sinners. Do not hesitate to turn to the Lord and do not put it off from day to day, for His anger will suddenly come and strike you with vengeance. Do not be attached to unrighteous wealth, for it will not help you at all on the day of trouble and vengeance. Do not give way to every wind and do not walk in every way, for this is how a bilingual sinner is recognized. Be strong in the path of God and in the truth of your meaning and knowledge, and the word of peace and righteousness will follow you. Be meek in listening to the word of God, so that you can understand and give the appropriate answer with wisdom. If you have understanding, then answer your neighbor, but if not, then let your hand be on your mouth. Do not seize on unbridled words and you will not be ashamed. Honor and glory are in the speech of the wise, but the tongue of the foolish is his downfall. Do not receive the name of an earphone in your life and do not grab your tongue [i.e. that is, for a word], and then you will not be ashamed. For a thief has shame and repentance, and a bilingual person has a bad reputation; and on the earpiece - hatred, enmity and dishonor. Justify equally both small and great [v. 1–18]. [Ch. VI:] Do not be an enemy to your neighbor instead of a friend, for an evil person will inherit shame and dishonor, like every envious and bilingual sinner. Do not be exalted in thought in your soul like a bull, lest somehow your strength be crushed by stupidity [v. 1–3]. May you have many who are with you in peace; and let your advisor be one out of a thousand. If you have a friend, then have him with testing, and do not trust him easily: after all, there is a friend in his time, but he does not remain [such] on the day of testing. And there is a friend who acts with unfriendliness and reveals hatred, discord and reproaches. And there is a table friend who does not remain so in the day of need. If a friend remains firm, then he will be like your equal and will behave with trust with your family. If he humbles himself before you and hides from your face, then you will have a consistent, good friendship. Move away from your enemies and pay attention to your friends. A faithful friend is a strong defense, and whoever finds him has found a treasure. There is no comparison with a faithful friend, and the weight of gold and silver cannot be equal to the kindness of his trust. He who fears God truly has good friendship, for his friend will be according to him. Son! From your youth, receive instruction and until your gray hairs (usque ad canos) you will find wisdom. Like one who plows and sows, approach it and retain its fruits. Indeed, you will labor a little in its work, and you will soon eat its fruits. How difficult is wisdom for unlearned people, and a foolish man will not abide in it: it will be in them like the weight of a stone as a test, and they will not be slow in casting it off [v. 7–23]. Son! if you listen to me, you will learn, and if you adapt your soul, you will be wise. And if you incline your ear, you will receive instruction, and if you love to listen, you will be wise. Stand among the multitude of prudent elders and join in their wisdom from the heart, so that you can listen to every story about God, and let not the parables of praise escape you. And if you see a person with meaning, stay awake with him in the morning and let your foot beat the thresholds of his doors. Keep your mind on the commandments of God and be very constant in His commandments; and He will give you a heart and the desire for wisdom will be given to you [v. 34–37]. [Ch. VIII:] Do not do evil, and it will not overtake you. Depart from unrighteousness, and evil will depart from you. Do not leave this evil in the furrows of unrighteousness, and then you will not reap it sevenfold. Do not look to a man for a governorship, or to a king for a seat of honor. Do not justify yourself before God, for He Himself recognizes the heart, and do not want to appear wise in the eyes of the king. Do not strive to be a judge if you do not want to eliminate injustice by force, so as not to tremble in the face of the powerful and not give reason to doubt your ability. Do not sin against the city crowd and do not destroy yourself before the people. Do not add double sins, for you will not be clean in one. Don't be cowardly about yourself. Do not be careless about prayer and almsgiving. Do not say: “The Lord will look upon the multitude of my gifts, and will accept my gifts when I offer them to the Most High God.” Do not laugh at a person in the sorrow of his soul, for it is God who exalts and humbles. Do not cultivate lies against your brother and do not do the same against your friend; do not lie incessantly (omne mendacium), for constancy [of lying] is not good. Do not be garrulous among the multitude of elders (presbyterorum) [v. 1–14]. Do not offend the slave who works as he should, nor the hired hand who gives [you] his life. Let an understanding servant be like your soul; do not deceive him with the promise of freedom and do not leave him in need [v. 22, 23]. Do you have children? educate them and humble them from childhood (curva=rot). Do you have livestock? take care of him. Do you have daughters? guard their body and do not show them your cheerful face. Give your daughter [in marriage] and you will do a great thing, and give her to a wise man. If you have a wife you like, then do not leave her, and do not trust an envious person with all your heart. Honor your father and do not forget the illnesses of your mother, for you must remember that you exist only through birth from them, and reward them as they did to you. Fear God with all your soul and honor His priests. With all your strength, love God, who created you, and do not abandon His servants. Honor God with all your soul and have the priests in honor [v. 25–33]. And give your hand to the poor so that your blessing may be completed; The grace of almsgiving is visible to everyone living, and do not deprive the deceased of mercy. Don’t stop comforting those who cry and walk with those in grief. Do not be lazy to visit the sick, for this will strengthen your love (between others). In all your affairs remember the end of your life, and you will never sin [v. 35–39]. [Ch. VIII:] Do not enter into litigation with a powerful person, lest you somehow fall into his hands. Do not argue with a rich man, lest he initiate litigation against you. After all, gold destroyed many, and reached the hearts of kings and perverted them. Do not argue with a talkative person and do not throw firewood under his ardor [v. 1–4]. Do not despise a person who turns away from sin and do not reproach him. Remember that we are all responsible for being punished. Do not despise a man in his old age; After all, they are aging from our midst. Do not rejoice over the death of the enemy, since you know that we are all dying, but we cannot come to joy. Do not despise the stories of the wise elders and the exercises in their parables, for from them you will learn knowledge and how to serve the nobles without complaint. Do not let the story of the elders pass you by, for they also learned from their fathers reason and response in times of need [v. 6–12]. Do not consult with fools, for they can only love what they like. Do not hold a council with a stranger, for you do not know what will come of it [v. 20–22]. [Ch. IX:] Do not be jealous of the wife of your womb [v. 1]. Do not have lust [or: do not stare] at the girl, so as not to be somehow seduced by her charms. Do not give your soul to harlots for anything, so as not to destroy yourself and your property [v. 5, 6]. Turn your face away from a beautiful woman, and do not look at someone else’s face [v. 8]. Don't leave an old friend because the new one won't be like him. A new friend is like new wine; Once it gets old, then you will drink it with pleasure. Do not be jealous of the sinner's glory and wealth, for you do not know what his fall will be. Let the insult of the unjust not be pleasant to you [v. 12–15]. Move far from a person who has the power to kill, and you will not even suspect the fear of death. And if you get close to him, then do not allow anything, lest he somehow take your life from you [v. 16, 17]. Reason with the wise and prudent. Let your table friends be just people, and let your glory be in the fear of the Lord [v. 20, 21]. [Ch. X:] That seed of man is honoured, which fears God; that seed of man is dishonoured, which transgresses the commandments of the Lord. Among their brothers, those who manage them will be held in high esteem, and those who fear the Lord will be seen before their eyes. The fear of God is the glory of people, rich, honorable and poor. Do not despise a just, [but] poor man, and do not exalt a sinner, [but] rich man. A noble man, a judge and a powerful man [truly] is held in high esteem, but he is not higher than the one who fears God. The prudent servant is served by free people. An intelligent and well-mannered person will not grumble when he is punished [Art. 23–28]. Son! keep your soul in meekness and give it honor according to its worth [v. 31]. [Ch. XI:] The wisdom of the humble will exalt his head; she gives him the opportunity to sit among noble people. Do not praise a person for his appearance and do not despise a person for his appearance. Among the winged bees, the bee is small, but the fruit of its labor is the most pleasant (initium dulceris). Never boast of your garments, nor be arrogant in the day of your honor [v. 1–4]. Before you find out [the matter], do not blame anyone, and when you investigate, then correct it fairly. If you haven’t listened, don’t answer, and don’t interfere in the conversation while your elders are speaking. Do not argue about a matter that does not interest you (molestat) and do not attend the judgment of sinners. Son, let your deeds not be in many ways, and although you will be rich, you will not be clean from crime. And if you chase, you will not catch, but you will not run away if you run ahead [v. 7–10]. Do not remain in the works of sinners. Trust in God and stay in your place [v. 20]. Praise no man before death [v. 28]. Do not bring every person into your house, for a treacherous person has many wiles. For just as the heart of children trembles, and as a quail falls into a trap, or a wild goat into a snare (in a noose), so the heart of the proud is like a spy spying on the fall of his neighbor. He plots, turning good into evil, and puts a stain on the chosen people. The fire flares up from one spark, and from one evil person the blood multiplies, and the sinner plots the machinations of blood. Be careful to guard yourself from the destroyer, for he is the one who creates evil, so that he does not accidentally bring shame upon you forever. Allow a stranger to come to you, and he will throw you into confusion (exhaustion) and alienate you from your relatives [v. 29–34]. [Ch. XII:] If you do good, then know to whom you do good, and there will be much grace in your good deeds. Do good to the righteous and you will receive a great reward, and if not from him, then from God. There is no good for those who persist in evil, and for those who do not give alms. After all, the Almighty hates sinners and is merciful to those who repent. Give to the merciful and do not accept the sinner. Do good to the humble, and do not give to the wicked. Forbid giving bread to him, lest through it he become stronger than you; in this case, you will find double evil for yourself for all the good, for the Most High hates sinners and rewards the wicked [v. 1–6]. Never trust your enemy, for his worthlessness will appear like copper rust. And even if he humbly stood before you, bending over, turn away your soul and beware of him. Do not place him before you, and do not place him on your right hand, lest he turn and take your place and seek your seat; then you will finally understand my words and will be disturbed by my speeches. Who will sting the exorcist who is bitten by a snake, and all those who approach wild animals? So is he who walks with a wicked man and interferes with his sins; he will stay with you for an hour; and if you evade, he will not bear it. The enemy speaks sweetly with his mouth, but in his heart he plots intrigues to throw you into a ditch; the enemy sheds tears from his eyes, and if he finds an opportunity, he will not get enough of blood. If evil happens to you, you will be the first to find it in him. The enemy sheds tears from his eyes, and it is as if a helper is undermining your feet. He will give a sign of agreement with his head and clap his hands, and whispering a lot will change the expression of his face [v. 10–18]; [Ch. XIII:] Riches are good to him who has no sin on his conscience, and poverty is abominable in the mouth of the wicked [v. 30]. [Ch. XIV:] Blessed is the man who has not erred in the words of his mouth and has not been touched by sorrow over sin. Happy is the one who did not have sorrow in his soul and did not lose his hope. Wealth is useless to a greedy and stingy person (sine ratione) and what is gold to an envious person [Art. 3]. Son! if you have, then do good to yourself and bring worthy sacrifices to the Lord. Remember that death will not delay, just as the covenant of hell, revealed to you, the covenant of this world will die by death. Before death, do good to your friend and, by giving as much as you can, help the poor [v. 11–13]. Blessed is the man who spends his time in wisdom and meditates in his righteousness, and in his mind meditates on the contemplation of God. Whoever thinks in his heart about her ways will also understand her mysteries [vv. 21-22]. [Ch. XV:] Stupid people will not understand it, but sensible people will meet it. Stupid people will not see her, for she is far from pride and deceit. False people will not remember her; and truthful people will find themselves in it and will succeed even to the contemplation of God. Praise is unseemly in the mouth of a sinner; for wisdom comes from God and will receive praise from God; in the mouth of the faithful it will be abundant, and the owner [of it] will give it to him. Do not say: “[She] is not through the Lord,” for you must not do what He hates; do not say: “He directed me,” for He does not need wicked people. God hates every abomination of error, and it is not acceptable to those who fear Him. From the beginning God created man and placed him in the hands of his will. He established commandments and gave commands: if you want to keep the commandments, then they will keep you, and you will forever have an acceptable faith. He has offered you fire and water; stretch out your hand to whatever you please. Before man is life and death, good and evil, and he is given what he pleases. For great is the wisdom of God, and He is mighty in strength, for He knows everything without missing a beat. The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, and He knows every deed of man. He did not command anyone to live wickedly, and He did not give anyone room for sin. For He does not desire a multitude of unworthy and unfaithful sons [v. 7–20. Ch. XVI, art. 1]. [Ch. XVI:] Do not rejoice in the sons of the wicked, if they multiply; do not enjoy them if there is no fear of God with them. Do not believe their lives and do not look at their works, for it is better to have one who fears God than a thousand sons of the wicked, and it is more beneficial to die without children than to leave the children of the wicked [v. 1–4]. Do not say: “I will hide from God, and who from above will remember me?” [Art. 16]. [Ch. XVII:] Because of their iniquity, their covenants and all their iniquities are not hidden before the face of God. A person’s alms are like a seal with him, and he will keep a person’s mercy like the apple of his eye, even after he stands up and gives reward to everyone, and turns them into the underworld of the earth. But to those who repent He gave a way of justification, and He strengthened those who were weak in patience, and assigned them the lot of truth. Turn to God and leave your sins. Pray before Him and reduce the obstacles [to that]. Turn to God and turn away from your iniquity, and greatly hate abomination [v. 17–23]. How great is God’s mercy and His favor towards those who turn to Him. For not everything can be in people, because the son of man is not immortal [v. 27–29]. [Ch. XVIII:] He has mercy on those who receive the instruction of mercy and on those who strive for His judgment. Son! in good [deeds] do not reproach, and with any giving do not grieve with an evil word. Doesn't dew cool the heat? So the word is better than giving. Now, isn’t giving higher than words; but for a justified person it is both. A fool reproaches strongly, and the alms of an ill-bred man make his eyes dry. Before judgment, prepare an excuse for yourself, and learn before you speak, use treatment before weakening, and ask yourself before judgment, and you will find favor before God. Before weakness, humble yourself and during times of weakness, show your conversion. Do not put obstacles in the way of always praying and do not be afraid of being justified before death, for the reward from God endures forever. Before prayer, prepare your soul, and do not be like a person who tempts the Lord [v. 16–23]. A wise man will be cautious in everything and in the days of sins will refrain from carelessness [v. 27]. Do not follow lusts and turn away from your desires. If you give your soul something pleasing to its desires, it will make you a source of amusement for its enemies. Do not enjoy yourself in a whirlwind of pleasures and do not be immoderately amused [v. 27–32]. [Ch. XIX:] He who despises moderation will gradually come to exhaustion. Wine and women cause even the wise to become apostates, and expose the prudent [v. 1–2]. He who trusts quickly is frivolous and will be belittled; but whoever sins against his soul will be exalted [v. 4]. He who hates talkativeness will destroy evil [v. 6]. [If] you have heard words against your neighbor, then let it die in you; be sure that it will not tear you to pieces. The frivolous, like a mother in labor, is tormented by the word; as if groaning from the birth of a child. A word in the mouth [or: in the heart] of a fool is the same as an arrow pierced into the thigh of the body. Instruct your friend so that he is not ignorant and does not say: “I did not do that,” or if he did, he does not begin to do it again. Instruct your neighbor not to speak, and if he has spoken, not to repeat it. Correct your friend, because there are often misunderstandings, and do not trust every word. There is someone who sins with his tongue, but not from his heart. But who does not sin with his tongue? Instruct your neighbor before threatening him; and give place to fear of the Almighty; for all wisdom is the fear of God, and in it is the fear of God [v. 10–18]. Better is a man who lacks wisdom, but has fear and lacks knowledge, than one who is full of knowledge, but transgresses the law of the Most High [v. 21]. [Ch. XX:] How wonderful is reproof compared with sin [v. 1]. He who unjustly seizes power for himself will be hated [v. 8]. He who is wise in speech makes himself most amiable [v. 13]. The mistake of a lying tongue is like falling to the ground; also, the fall of the wicked will quickly come. An unpleasant person is an empty fairy tale; it will always be on the lips of the ill-mannered. From the mouth of a fool a parable is unpleasant, because he speaks it at the wrong time [v. 18–20]. There is someone who destroys his soul because of confusion, and he will destroy it on behalf of a madman, but he will destroy himself due to partiality. There is someone who, out of shame, makes a promise to a friend and thus acquires an enemy in him for nothing. Lying in a person is a disgusting, shameful thing and it is always in the mouths of ill-mannered people. Better is a thief than constancy in a deceitful person (i.e. constancy in lying); but destruction awaits both of them. The morals of deceitful people are dishonest and their shame is always with them [or: their shame is with them]. He who is wise with words exalts himself [v. 22–27]. Treats and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and, like a dumb mouth, turns away their instructions. What is the use of hidden wisdom and treasure that is not seen? Among men it is better for one to hide his folly than for one to hide his wisdom [v. 29–31]. [Ch. XXI:] Son, you have sinned; do not repeat it again, but pray for those who have passed, so that they will be forgiven to you. Avoid sins like the face of a snake; for if you approach them, they will embrace you. Its teeth [of sin] are the teeth of a lion, killing the souls of people; every untruth is like a two-edged sword; for the wound there is no healing from it [v. 1–4]. He who hates instruction follows in the footsteps of the sinner. And who fears God; he will turn to his heart [v. 7]. The path of sinners is paved with stones, and at the end of them is hell, darkness and punishment. He who keeps righteousness will keep his thoughts. The consequence of the fear of God is wisdom and meaning [v. 11–13]. Whatever wise word a wise person hears, he will praise it and apply it to himself; but the frivolous one will hear it, and he will not like it, and he will throw it behind him. The story of a foolish man is like a burden on the road, for pleasant things are found in the mouth. The speech of a wise man is sought in the assembly (ecclesia), and his words will be meditated upon in their hearts [v. 18–20]. Instruction for the foolish is like shackles on the feet, and like chains on the right hand. A fool raises his voice in laughter, but a wise man only chuckles silently. For the prudent, instruction is like gold jewelry, and like a costly ornament on the right hand [v. 22–24]. The heart of fools is in their mouth, and the mouth of the wise is in their heart. When a wicked person curses the devil, he curses his own soul. He who gossips defiles his soul and will be hated among all; and whoever stays [with him] will be hated; but he who is silent and prudent will be respected [v. 29–31]. [Ch. XXII:] The lazy one will be beaten with a dirty stone, and everyone will talk about his disgrace [v. 1]. A prudent daughter will be an inheritance to her husband; for she who dishonors herself will be a dishonor to her parent. She who is insolent disgraces her father and husband, and she will not be belittled by the wicked, but she will not be honored by either. An untimely story is like music in a time of sorrow; and punishment and teaching are wisdom at all times. He who teaches a fool seems to be gluing together shards; whoever speaks to someone who is not listening, as it were, awakens a sleeping person from a heavy sleep: the one who talks to a fool speaks to the sleeping person, and at the end [of the speech] says: “Who is this?” Weep over the dead, for he lacks his light; Weep even over a fool, for he lacks meaning. Weep a little over the dead, for he has calmed down; and the pitiful—the evil life of an evil fool—is worse than death. Mourning for the dead for seven days; and about the foolish and the wicked - all the days of their life [v. 4–11]. He who throws a stone at birds will drive them away; so the one who reproaches a friend will upset the friendship. If you draw a sword against a friend, do not despair, for there is a retreat. If you open your mouth against a friend, do not be afraid; for there is agreement, excluding defamation, pride, revelation of secrets and treacherous blows; in front of all of them, the friend leaves [v. 22–25]. Who will put a guard on my lips, and a strong seal on my mouth, so that by them I will not fall, and my tongue will not destroy me [v. 31]. [Ch. XXIII:] Lord, Father and Master of my life! do not leave me and do not let me fall through them. Who will put a scourge over my thoughts, and over my heart the instruction of wisdom, so that they do not spare me the ignorance of their [mouths] and do not expose their transgressions, so that my ignorance does not increase and my transgressions do not multiply and my sins become abundant, and I do not fall in the eyes of my enemies and my enemy does not rejoice in it. Lord, Father and God of my life! do not leave me in their thoughts. Do not give me the exaltation of my eyes, and turn away from me every desire; take away from me the lusts of the belly, and let not the lusts of the flesh overcome me (co ncubitns) and do not betray me to a daring and crazy soul. Children, listen to oral instruction, and whoever keeps it will not perish by his tongue and will not be tempted by wicked deeds. The sinner is caught in his vanity, and the proud and slanderous are seduced by the deeds of wickedness. Let not your lips become accustomed to swearing; for in it there is much danger of falling. Do not use the name of God in your mouth constantly, and do not mix with the names of saints, for you will not be safe from them. Indeed, just as a slave constantly being interrogated does not decrease in envy, so anyone who swears and uses the Name in everything is not cleansed of sin. A person who swears a lot will be filled with untruth and punishment will not depart from his house; and if he deceives [anyone], then his crime will be on him; and if he pretends, he will sin twice. If he swears in vain, he will not be justified, for his house will be filled with disasters [v. 1–13]. Do not accustom your lips to intemperance, for there are sinful words in it. Remember your father and mother, - after all, you are among the nobles - so that the Lord does not somehow forget about you in front of them, and so that, out of habit, you become unreasonable and are not subject to censure and would not prefer not to be born and curse the day of your birth. A person who is accustomed to curses will not learn all the days of his life. Two qualities abound in sins, and the third produces wrath and destruction. A fiery soul, like a blazing fire, will not go out until it devours someone; so the unjust man will not cease the flame in the mouth of his flesh until the fire is burned out [v. 16–22]. The man who sins against his bed despises his soul and says: “Whoever sees me; darkness surrounds me; Partitions hide me, and no one looks at me; Who should I fear? The Most High will not remember my crimes, nor will He know, for His eyes do not see.” But such a one has driven away the fear of God from himself; Such a person has human fear, and the eyes of people frighten him. He does not know that the eyes of the Lord are much brighter than the sun; they survey all the paths of people and the depths of the abyss and penetrate into the hidden depths of human hearts [v. 24–28]. [Ch. XXV:] How will you find in your old age what you did not collect in your youth. How is it proper to judge gray hairs and give advice to old men? How wonderful is wisdom for the elders, and prudence and advice for famous people! The crown for the elders is extensive experience, and glory for them is the fear of God... The fear of God surpasses everything. Blessed is the one to whom it is given to have the fear of God. Who is he who is given the fear of God to be like?... Do not look at the beauty of a woman, and do not lust for her for her beauty [v. 5–8; 14; 23]. [Ch. XXVI:] A wife indulging in drunkenness is a great irritation; and her shame and her dishonor will not be hidden. A woman's fornication is known by the lifting of her eyes and eyelashes. Intensify surveillance over a daughter who is not taking care so that she does not take advantage of the opportunity. Beware of the shameless eye, and do not be surprised if it does not pay attention to you... The love of an attentive wife will delight her husband; and her restraint will make his bones fat. A prudent and modest wife is a gift from God: a well-educated soul is irreplaceable; a holy and bashful wife is great grace (gratia super gratiam), and there is no measure worthy of a self-controlled soul... And whoever turns from righteousness to sin, God will prepare him for the sword [v. 10–13; 16–19; 26]. [Ch. XXVII:] He who seeks enrichment turns away his eye. Let sin be suppressed. If you do not insistently hold on to the fear of the Lord, your house will soon be ruined. Just as when a sieve is shaken, rubbish remains, so does a person’s uncleanness when he meditates. The furnace tests the earthen vessel, and the righteous people are tested by temptations in troubles. Just as caring for a tree reveals its fruit, so the word comes from the thoughts of the hearts of people. Before speaking, do not praise a person, for this is a test of people. If you follow justice, you will catch her and dress as if in honorable clothing; (and you will live with it, and it will cover you forever, and on the day of recognition you will find a stronghold.) Birds gather to their kind, and the truth turns to those who work on it. The lion always lies in wait for prey, just as sins lie in wait for those who do injustice. A holy man remains in wisdom like the sun, and a foolish man changes like the moon. Among the foolish, keep your word for a time; but be constantly among the prudent. The conversation of sinners is hateful, and their laughter is to ridicule sin. A tongue that swears a lot raises the hair on end, and its indecency is a torment to the ears. In the strife of the arrogant there is shedding of blood and their slander. Whoever exposes the secrets of a friend loses trust and will not find a friend for his friend. Love your neighbor and trustfully unite with him, because if you expose his secrets, then no longer follow him. Like a person who has lost a friend, so is one who has lost the friendship of his neighbor. And just as he who lets the bird out of his hand, so do you, who forsake your neighbor, and you will not catch him. Do not follow him, for he is far away, and has escaped like a goat from a snare, since his soul has been struck, and can no longer be connected with him. One can put up with slander; but to expose a friend’s secrets means to bring despair to the unfortunate soul. The one who blinks his eye plots and no one will stop him. Before your eyes he speaks sweetly and is surprised at your words, and then he will change his mouth and show temptation in your words. I hated many things, but I did not compare them with him, and God will hate him... He who digs a hole will fall into it, and puts a stone under his neighbor’s feet and he will stumble on it; and whoever prepares a net for another will perish in it. Whoever gives evil advice will fall into it, and will not know where it came from. The ridicule and reproach of the proud will lie in wait for him like a lion. Those who rejoice in the fall of the righteous will perish in the net [v. 1; 3; 4–27; 23–32]. [Ch. XXVIII:] Whoever wants to take revenge will receive vengeance from God, and He will carefully keep [in memory] his sins. Forgive [the sin] of your neighbor who harms you, and then your sins will be forgiven when you ask for it. A person keeps anger against a person, but asks the Lord [for himself] for mercy! He has no mercy for a person like himself, but begs for his sins, and although he himself is flesh, he nevertheless retains anger; but he asks God for mercy. Who will pray for his crimes? Remember your end and stop being hostile, for in the commandments of God [you] are threatened with weakening and death. Remember the fear of God and do not be angry with your neighbor. Remember the covenant of the Almighty and be forgiving of your neighbor’s ignorance. Refrain from litigation and you will reduce your sins. For an angry man incites a quarrel, and a sinful man will disturb his friends, and among those who have peace he will send enmity... A hasty dispute incites fire, a quick quarrel sheds blood, and the tongue of a witness causes death. If you fan a spark, it will flare up like fire, and if you spit on it, it will go out, and yet both come out of your mouth. Cursed is the earpiece and the bilingual: for it has confused those who lived in the world. The third language angered many and scattered them from one people to another. He destroyed the fortified cities of the rich and destroyed the houses of the nobles to the ground. He cut off the strength of the nations and scattered mighty nations. The third tongue drove out the brave women and deprived them of their labors. He who listens to him will have no peace, and on whom he rests will have no friend... Weigh your words and bridle your lips as you should; watch carefully so that you do not somehow fall into error and do not fall in the face of enemies plotting intrigues for you, and so that your fall is not incurable until death [v. 1–10; 13–19; 29, 30]. [Ch. XXIX:] He who is merciful lends to his neighbor, and he who supports him with his hand keeps the commandments. Lend to your neighbor in the day of his need, and, on the contrary, repay him in a timely manner. Keep your word firmly and do it right, and you will always find what you need. Many considered the loan a godsend and caused grief to those who helped them... Be stronger in spirit than the oppressed and do not move away from him because of alms. Receive the poor according to the commandment and do not send him away empty-handed according to the commandment. Spend your money for the sake of your brother and friend and do not hide it under a stone to destruction. Place your treasure in the commandments of the Most High, and it will bring you more benefit than gold. Hide your alms in the heart of the poor, and this will save you from all evil. This will withstand your enemy more than the shield of a mighty man and than a spear. A good man gives surety for his neighbor, but he who has lost shame will keep it [or: for himself]. Do not forget the mercy of the guarantor; for he gave his life for you. The sinner and unclean person avoids mutual obligation. The sinner takes credit for the property of the guarantor, and the ungrateful soul abandons his liberator. A person vouches for his neighbor and when he loses respect, he is abandoned by him. A dishonest guarantee has ruined many zealous people and shaken them like the turbulence of the sea. It forced people as powerful as a whirlpool (gyrans) to migrate and they wandered among alien peoples. A sinner who transgresses the commandments of the Lord will fall into a lawless promise... According to your strength, draw your neighbor closer [to you] and be careful not to fall [into trouble] [v. 1–4; 11–22; 23]. [Ch. XXX:] He who loves his son, let him punish him more often, so that he may have joy in the last time. He who teaches his son will have praise in him... An untamed horse is stubborn, and an unattended son is rash. Caress your son and he will make you tremble, play with him and he will make you sad. Do not laugh at him, lest you grieve [later] and lest your teeth begin to chatter [in horror]. Do not give him power in his youth and do not be careless about his thoughts. Bend his neck in his youth and crush his ribs while he is a child, so that he does not become coarse and stop trusting you, and you do not suffer spiritual grief. Teach your son and work on him, so that later you will not be embarrassed by his shameful behavior. Better is a poor man who is healthy and strong in strength than a rich man who is weak and tormented by anger. The salvation of the soul in the holiness of truth is better than all gold and silver; and a strong body is [better] than great wealth. There is no wealth greater than the treasure of a healthy body, and there is no joy greater than the joy of the heart. Better is death than a bitter life, and eternal peace is better than continuous weakness. The good hidden in closed lips is like dishes placed around the grave... Do not give sadness to your soul, and do not sadden yourself in your thoughts. A person's life is in the joy of the heart and the treasure is in sufficient holiness, and a long life is the joy of a person. Have mercy on your soul, pleasing God, and unite your heart in its holiness, and drive away sadness far from yourself. Sadness kills many and there is no benefit in it. Jealousy and anger shorten the days, and thoughts bring on old age ahead of time [v. 1–12; 22–26]. [Ch. XXXI:] He who loves gold will not be justified, and he who pursues corruption (consumptionem) will be filled with it. Many fell because of gold and their destruction took place before his face. Gold is a stumbling block for those who sacrifice to it. Woe to those who pursue it, and everyone who is unwise will perish in it. Blessed is the rich man who was found without blemish, who did not go after gold and did not place his hope in money for treasure. Who is this that we should praise him? for he accomplished wonderful things in his life. Who was tempted by it [gold] and was made perfect? and he will have eternal life. Who could have been a transgressor [of the law], but not transgressed [it], or done evil and did not do it, and therefore his benefits are stable in the Lord, and the Church of Saints will tell about his alms... As a person, use the fruit that is offered to you, so that by eating a lot, you do not become an object of hatred. As a rule, stop eating first, and do not desire more, so as not to be tempted. If you sit down among many, do not extend your hand before them and do not demand drinks first. Just as a little wine is enough for a well-bred person... Do not challenge those who love wine, for wine has destroyed many [v. 5–12; 18–21; 29]. [Ch. XXXII:] Let the eldest by birth speak, for the first word is fitting for you, who loves knowledge, and do not forbid music. Where attentiveness is insufficient, do not spill words, and do not untimely display your wisdom... Young man, speak regarding your business only when necessary. If you are asked twice, let the answer be in your head. Among many, be as if ignorant and at the same time listen and ask; among the nobles, do not begin to speak, and do not speak much where old people are. Hail is preceded by the flash of lightning, and modesty is prevented by love (gratia), and instead of respect, let you have goodwill. First of all, hurry to your home, strive there, have fun there, fulfill your undertakings there, and not in sins and not in a proud word. On all this is the blessing of God, who created you and will give you all your good things to drink. He who fears the Lord will receive His instruction, and those who watch before Him will receive blessing. He who seeks the law will be fulfilled by it, and he who plots intrigues will stumble over it. Those who fear the Lord will find righteous judgment and will kindle justice like a light. A sinful person avoids instructions and will find justification for his desires (comparatio). A prudent person will not waste his understanding... Without advice, my son, do nothing, and then later you will not repent of what you have done... He who believes in God heeds the commandments, and he who trusts in Him will not diminish [v. 4–6; 9–20; 21; 25]. [Ch. XXXIII:] No evil will befall the one who fears God; but God will preserve him in temptation and free him from troubles. A wise man does not hate the commandments and truth, and he will not break up like a ship during a storm. A smart person believes in the law of God, and the law is true to him. Whoever discovers a co-questioning will prepare a word [in response] [v. 1–4]. [Ch. XXXIV:] Empty hope and deception in a foolish person, and dreams raise up the unreasonable; They seem to grab and follow the wind, just like the one that strives for visible lies. Dreams are just like a human face in front of a person. Who will be cleansed from the unclean? and what will a deceitful man say that is true? The guesses of error, false fortune-telling and the dreams of evildoers are vanity. And your heart suffers from dreams, like the heart of a woman in labor, unless a visit is sent down from the Almighty, do not give your heart to them. After all, the dreams of many have caused them to wander and have destroyed those who relied on them. Let the word end without lies, and let wisdom be contemplated in the mouth of the faithful... I saw a lot in storytelling [or: in wandering] and a very large habit of words. Several times I was in mortal danger for their sake, and was freed by the grace of God. The spirit of the God-fearing will be sought and they will be blessed in reverence for him [God]; for their hope is in their Savior, and the eyes of God are on those who love themselves [se, – Russian: Him]. The one who fears God will not tremble at anything and will not be afraid, for there is hope in Him. Blessed is the soul of the God-fearing. Who will he look to? and who is his strength? The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, the mighty Patron, the strong Stronghold. Protection from heat and midday heat, Protection from temptation and Help from falling; elevating the soul and enlightening the eyes, giving health, life and blessing. The offering of one slain from unrighteous wealth is defilement; and the mockery of the unrighteous is not acceptable. There is only one Lord for those who are steadfast in living in truth and righteousness. The Almighty does not approve of the gifts of the unrighteous and does not look upon the offerings of the wicked, and with their multitude of sacrifices He will not be propitiated for sins. He who makes a sacrifice from the property of the poor is like one who slaughters a son before his father. The bread of those who need is the life of the poor; whoever steals it is a man of blood [bloodsucker]. Whoever takes away bread [acquired] by sweat, it is as if he were killing his neighbor. Those who shed blood and those who deceive the mercenary are brothers among themselves. One builds and the other destroys; and what benefit do they have other than fatigue? One prays, and the other curses, whose voice will God hear? If someone immerses himself in water after being dead, and then touches him again; then what is the advantage of his ablution? So is the person who fasts in his sins, but does the same again; what will his humility serve? Who will hear his prayer? [Art. 1–8; 11–26]. [Ch. XXXV:] Whoever keeps the law, increases prayer, and keeps the commandments, there is a saving sacrifice, as well as abstinence from all unrighteousness, and a propitiatory offering for iniquities, and prayer for sins, and a departure from unrighteousness. Do not appear before the face of God without offerings (vacuus). The offering of the righteous fattens the altar and is a aroma in the sight of the Most High. The sacrifice of the righteous is accepted, and the Lord will not forget about him. Give glory to God with a good spirit, and do not diminish the firstfruits of your hands. Whenever you give, make your face cheerful and joyfully dedicate your tithes [to God]. Give to the Most High according to His giving, and with a cheerful look bring the work of your hands, for the Lord is the rewarder: He will reward you sevenfold. Do not bring wicked gifts (prava), for He will not accept them, and look with hope at an unrighteous offering, for the Lord is the judge and His face does not matter. He will not look on the face of the poor, and will hear the prayer of the offended. He will not despise the prayers of either the orphan or the widow when she pours out her prayers with groaning. Does not a tear run down the cheeks, and do they not cry out as a result of what falls upon it?... The prayer of the humble passes through the clouds [v. 1–15; 17]. [Ch. XXXVII:] Be constantly with a holy person, about whom you learn that he maintains the fear of God, and whose soul you like... And with all this, pray to the Almighty that He will correct your path in truth... Son! in your life, test your soul, and if it is wrong, do not give it power, for not everything is useful to everyone, and not everything (omne genus) is pleasant to every soul. Do not be greedy for all kinds of dishes and do not pounce on various foods [cm. 15; 19; 30–32]. [Ch. XXXVIII:] Show honor to the doctor as necessary, because the Almighty created him too; for from God is healing, and from the king he will receive a gift. The training of a physician raises his head, and before the nobles he will be praised. The Almighty created healing remedies from the earth, and a prudent husband should not be afraid of him. Was it not through the tree that the water became sweet? His power is for people to know, and the Most High gave knowledge to man so that he could be glorified in His miracles. Through them He heals and reduces their sorrow... Son! do not be careless in your illness, but pray to the Lord and He will heal you. Turn away from sin and guide your hand, and cleanse your heart from all sin... And fatten the sacrifice, and make room for the physician; after all, God created him, and let him not leave you, since his actions are necessary, for there is a time when you fall into their hands; after all, they also pray to the Lord that He would calm them down and restore their health according to their deeds... Son! shed tears over the dead, and as someone who has suffered a cruel misfortune, begin to cry. And according to custom (secundum judecium), clothe [his] body and do not be careless in burying it. And mourn him bitterly after he is taken away during the day, and be comforted in your sorrow; and mourn him according to his merit for a day or two due to his deprivation. After all, death is accelerated by sadness and embraces strength, and sadness of the heart bends its head... Do not give in to the sadness of your heart... Book wisdom is acquired during freedom, and whoever reduces work will gain wisdom [v. 1–7; 9–14; 16–20; 24]. [Ch. XXXIX:] Cry loudly: “Listen to me, divine growths of the waters and, like a rose planted on the shore, bear fruit. Have a fragrance like Lebanon. Blossom flowers like lilies, give off fragrance, adorn yourself with foliage, proclaim a song of praise and bless the Lord for His deeds. Magnify His name, and confess to Him with the voice of your mouth, singing and playing the harp, and so proclaim in confession: “All the works of the Lord are wonderful (bona valde = very good);... At His word the water became like a haystack, and at the commandment of His mouth - receptacles of water. For in His command there is good will, and in His salvation nothing is diminished. All the works of the flesh are before Him, and nothing is hidden in His sight. He looks from century to century, and nothing is marvelous in His eyes. You cannot say: “What is this” or: “Something.” For all this will be required in due time [v. 16–21, 23–27). [Ch. XL:] Beneficence is like paradise in blessings and mercy endures forever... Brothers help during trials, but mercy will liberate better than them [v. 17; 24]. [Ch. XLIII:] You who bless the Lord, magnify Him as much as you can; He is above all praise. You who exalt Him, be filled with strength [v. 32, 33]. [Ch. LI:] Draw near to me, you who have not been taught, and gather together in the house of instruction. Why are you still delaying? And what do you say? Your souls are very thirsty. I opened my mouth and spoke. Lay up for yourselves wisdom without silver and submit your will to the yoke, and your soul will receive instruction. After all, it can be found nearby. Look with your eyes, for I worked a little and found great peace. Receive instruction for a lot of silver and you will have an abundance of gold. Let your soul rejoice in His mercy and be ashamed to praise Him. Do your work beforehand, and He will reward you in due time [v. 31–38]. From the book of Tobiah we found it necessary to offer the following. [Ch. IV:] Honor your mother all the days of her life, for you must remember what and how many dangers she endured for you in her womb... And throughout your entire life, keep God in your thoughts and be careful not to ever succumb to sin and transgress the commandments of your God. Give alms from your property and do not turn your face away from any poor person, so that the Lord will not turn His face away from you. Be as merciful as you can. If you have a lot, then give abundantly, and if you have little, then strive to give a little willingly, for in the day of need you will collect for yourself a good reward. For alms will deliver you from all sin and from death and will not allow your soul to go into darkness. Alms for all who do it will be a great guarantee before the Most High God. Son! abstain from all kinds of adultery, and never allow anyone other than your wife to experience sin. But do not allow pride to dominate your mind or your word, for all destruction originates from it. Whoever does anything to you, give him the agreed upon payment at the same time; and let no hireling's wages remain with you at all. What you hate when someone else does it to you, you take care not to do to someone else. Eat your bread with the hungry poor, and cover the naked with your clothes [from verses 3-12 and 13-16]. Always seek advice from the wise. Bless the Lord at all times, and ask Him to direct your paths and let all your advice remain in it. Fear not, son, although we lead a poor life, we will have many blessings if we fear God and turn away from all sin and do good [from verses 19-21]. [Ch. XII:] Then Raphael said to them secretly: Bless the God of heaven and confess Him before all the living, because He has shown His mercy to you. Indeed, it is good to keep the king's secret, but it is worthy of praise to reveal and confess the works of God. Prayer with fasting is good, and almsgiving is higher than amassing treasures of gold; for alms delivers from death, it also cleanses sins and makes it possible to gain eternal life. Those who commit sin and iniquity are the enemies of their souls [from verses: 6–10]. [Ch. XIV:] So, my children, listen to your father: Work for the Lord in truth, and seek to do what pleases Him; and command your children to do righteousness and alms, to remember God and to bless Him at all times in truth and with all your strength [from v. 9, etc.]. Now - since not all canonical books and ancient [or: and the Old Testament] gave our work necessary for this, and in those that did, it was not necessary to borrow from all their places, but only from those in which we discovered clear commandments about good morals - either those in which something useful is commanded, or those in which something harmful (contraria) is prohibited - we will now move on to the Holy Scriptures evangelical and apostolic. The head of the collection of books of the New Testament was held by four most famous and beautiful Gospels, in which first of all we will consider what is suitable for this work we have undertaken [in the Gospel] according to Matthew. [Ch. V:] And Jesus, seeing the crowds, went up to the mountain; When He sat down, His disciples came up to Him; and He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the kingdom of heaven; blessed are the meek, for they will possess the earth; Blessed are those who mourn and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied; blessed are the merciful, for they will inherit mercy; blessed are those with a pure heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God; blessed are those who endure persecution for the sake of righteousness, for to them belongs the kingdom of heaven; Blessed are you when people revile you, and persecute you, and falsely speak all kinds of evil against you because of Me: rejoice and be glad, for your reward is abundant in heaven. After all, this is how they persecuted the Prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; But what if the salt loses its strength, how will it be salted then? She is no longer fit for anything other than to be thrown out of the gate and trampled underfoot by people. You are the light of the world. A city located on the top of a mountain cannot be hidden, and they do not light a lamp, and do not put it under a bushel (modio = quadrangle, grain measure, measure), but on a candlestick, so that it gives light to everyone in the house. There, let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father, who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to abolish (solvere) the Law or the Prophets: I came not to abolish, but to supplement. In truth I tell you: until heaven and earth come to an end, not one jot, not one tittle will be lost from the Law until everything is fulfilled. So, whoever cancels one of these lesser commandments and teaches people also, he will be called lesser in the kingdom of heaven; and whoever does it and teaches it will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. But I tell you, unless your righteousness is greater (abundaverit) than [the righteousness of] the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. [Here] you have heard what was said to the ancient [people]: “Do not kill, and whoever kills will be responsible in court. But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be held accountable in judgment. And whoever says to his brother: “Racha” will be responsible before the Council; but he will say: “He who is foolish” will be subject to [punishment] in fiery hell. So, if you are bringing your gift to the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, then leave your gift before the altar, and first go and make peace with your brother, and then come to offer your gift. Make peace with your enemy quickly while you are still on the road with him; lest your adversary hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the minister, and so that you are thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not leave there until you have paid the last quadrant [one of the small coins, 1/4 pound of copper]. You have heard what the ancients said: “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman with the lust of the flesh has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Therefore, if your right eye offends you, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is [more] profitable for you that one of your members should perish than that your whole body should be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you, for it is more profitable for you for one of your members to perish than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. But it is said: Whoever lets his wife go, let him give her a bill of divorcement. But I tell you that whoever lets his wife go, except for the reason of adultery, causes her to commit fornication; but whoever takes a freed wife commits adultery. You have also heard what was said to the ancients: “Do not break an oath, but fulfill your oaths before the Lord.” But I tell you not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God, nor by earth, because it is His footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King; Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair [on it] white or black. But let your word be: “So, so” (est, est), “no, no” (non, non). And anything more than this is from evil. You have heard that it is said: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” [Icx. XXI, 23–25; 12–15]. But I tell you: do not resist evil; and whoever hits you on the right cheek, then offer him the other as well; and whoever wants to fight with you in court and take away your lower robe (tunicam), give him your outer cloak (pallium). And whoever forces you to walk a thousand steps, then walk with him (alia) two more. Whoever asks from you, give to him, and do not turn away from anyone who wants to borrow from you; You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbor and hate your enemy [Lev. XIX, 17. 18]. But I say to you, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you and slander you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, who makes (facit) His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and pours down rain on the just and the unjust. After all, if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Isn’t that what tax collectors (publicans) do? and if you only greet your brothers, what more are you doing? don't the pagans do the same? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Ch. VI:] Be careful not to display your righteousness before men, so as to be visible from them, otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So, when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in assemblies and at the crossroads of the streets, in order to receive honor from people. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. And you, when you do alms, then do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms are done in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in congregations and on street corners, so as to appear before people. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. And you, when you pray, go into your bedroom, and, closing the door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be long-winded like the pagans, for they believe that they will be heard in their long speech. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. And pray like this: “Our Father who is in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name; let your kingdom come. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us now our daily (quotidianum, or daily - supersubstantialem) bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” For if you forgive people their sins, then your heavenly Father will also forgive you your sins. And if you do not forgive people, then the Father will not forgive you your sins. And when you fast, do not be like sad hypocrites, for they darken their faces in order to appear fasting before people. Truly I tell you that they have received their reward. And you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so as not to appear to people as fasting but to your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth, where rust and moth destroy them, and where thieves break through and steal them; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust nor moth destroys them, and where thieves neither break through nor steal them. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. The lamp of the body is the eye; if your eye is simple, then your whole body is light; if your eye is bad, then your whole body will be dark. So, if the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness? No one can serve two masters; he will either love one and hate the other; or he will tolerate one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. And therefore I say to you: do not worry in your soul what you will eat, or in your body what you will wear. Is not the soul greater than food, or the body greater than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you better than a lot of them. But which of you, the thinking one, can add even one cubit to his height? And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. But I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory did not dress like one of them. And if God clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more are you, O you of little faith (modicae (fidei=moderate faith Vulg. minimae fidei=very little faith). So do not be anxious, saying this: “What will we eat”, or: “What will we drink”, or: “What will we wear?” After all, the pagans are looking for all this; for your Father knows that you are in everything you need this. Therefore, first of all, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all this will be added to you. So, do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself: its [own] trouble [malitia = malice] is enough for the day. [Ch. VII:] Judge not, lest you be judged. For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” but there is a plank in your own eye? Hypocrite, first take the beam out of your own eye; and then you will see how to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give the holy to dogs and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they somehow trample it under their feet and then turn around and tear you to pieces. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, push and it will be revealed to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it is opened. Or: Which man among you, when his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? Thus, if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your sons, how much more will your Father, who is in Heaven, give good things to those who ask Him? So whatever you want people to give you, do you also to them, for this is the law and the prophets. Enter by the narrow gate, for the wide gate and the broad way lead to destruction, and there are many who walk by it; just as narrow is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do they gather grapevines from thorns or figs from thistles? So every good tree bears good fruit; and a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who said to me: “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will (ipse) enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say to me on that day: “Lord, Lord! Was it not in Your name that we cast out demons, and in Your name we used many powers? and then I will reveal myself to them (confitebor illis). “I don't know you; Depart from Me, you who practice iniquity." Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain fell, and the streams came out, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it was built on a rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like the man who built his house on the sand; the rain fell, and the rivers came out, and the winds blew, and rushed against that house, and it fell, and its fall was great. [Ch. X:] You received freely [gratis], freely give. Do not desire to possess [neither] gold, nor silver, nor money in your belts, nor a bag on the way, nor two clothes, nor [double] shoes, nor a stick, for the worker is worthy of his food. Whatever city or castle you enter, ask who is worthy in it and stay there until you leave. And when entering a house, greet it with the words: “Peace to this house” 12. And if that house is worthy, then your peace will descend upon it; if you are not worthy, then your “peace” will return to you. And [if] anyone will not receive you and will not listen to your words, then when you leave the house or the city, shake off the dust from your feet. Truly I say to you, on the day of judgment it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomora than for that city. Behold, I send you as sheep among wolves, therefore be wise as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of people. For they will betray you in assemblies, and in their assemblies they will scourge you, and you will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, as a witness to them and to the nations. When they betray you, do not think about how or what you will say, for at that hour you will be given what to say; for it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. And brother will betray brother and father son to death, and sons will rise up against their parents and put them to death, and you will be hated by all people because of My name. But whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. Truly I say to you, you will not finish [circumaming] the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. There is no student greater than the teacher, and no slave greater than the master. It is enough for a student to be like the teacher and for a slave to be like the master. If they named the father of the family Beelzebub, are there not more of his household there? So, don't be afraid of them. After all, there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing secret that will not be recognized. Whatever I say to you in the dark, you speak in the light, and whatever you hear with your ears, preach it on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but fear more the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Not two sparrows are sold for one ace, but not one of them will fall to the ground without your father. And even the hairs on your head have all been counted. Therefore do not be afraid: you are better than many small birds. Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace to earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to separate a man from (adversus) his father, and to set a daughter (separare) against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man's enemies are those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is unworthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is unworthy of Me. And whoever does not accept his cross and does not follow Me is unworthy of Me. He who finds his soul will destroy it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will gain it. He who receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive the reward of a prophet, and whoever receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of a righteous person; and whoever gives one of these little ones something to drink, just a cup of cold water in the name of the disciple, he, I tell you the truth, will not lose his reward. [Ch. XI:] To whom will I consider this generation to be similar? He is like children sitting in the square who shout to their peers like this: “We sang to you, but you didn’t dance; we complained, but you didn’t cry.” Indeed, John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they said: “He has a demon”; but the Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they said: “Behold a gluttonous man and a wine drinker, a friend of publicans and sinners.” And wisdom was justified in her children... Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; take My yoke upon you and learn from Me that I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; For My yoke is pleasant and My burden is light [v. 16–19; 28–30]. [Ch. XII:] If you knew what it means: “I want mercy, not sacrifice,” then you would never condemn the innocent... He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. All sin and blasphemy will be forgiven to people, but blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the age to come. Or: make a tree good, [then you will make] its fruit good; or make a tree bad, [then you will make] its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Generations of poisonous snakes! how can you speak good when you are evil? After all, the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. A good man brings out good things from the treasury of his heart; and an evil man brings out evil things from an evil treasury! But I tell you that every idle word that people speak, they will give an answer (reddent rationem) on the day of judgment. By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned [v. 7, 30–37]. [Ch. XV:] Listen and understand: It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth defiles a person... And Peter answered and said to Him: “Explain this parable to us.” And He said: And you still don’t understand? Don’t you understand that everything that goes into the mouth goes into the stomach and comes out; and what comes out of the mouth comes out of the heart, and this defiles a person. After all, from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, fornication, adultery, theft, false witness, and blasphemy. This is what defiles a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person [v. 11; 15–20]. [Ch. XVI:] Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Indeed, what is the benefit to a person if he gains the whole world, does harm to his soul (detrimentum patiatur = suffers a loss), or what kind of replacement does a person give for his soul? For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward everyone according to his deeds [v. 24–27]. [Ch. ХVIII:] Truly I say to you: Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. For the one who humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven; and whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these faint-hearted ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him [expedit] that a millstone be hung around his neck and he be plunged into the depths of the sea. Woe to the world from temptations, for it is necessary that temptations should come; but woe to the man from whom temptation comes! If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, then cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life weak or lame than, having two legs or two hands, to be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye offends you, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than, having two eyes, to be thrown into fiery hell. See that you do not despise any of these little ones. I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man came to save the lost... If your brother sins against you, then go and correct him in private (inter te el ipsum solum). If he listens to you, then you have gained your brother. And if he does not listen to you, then take with you one or two more, so that through the mouth (oge) of two witnesses or three every word may become established (stet). If (quod si) he does not listen to them, then tell the Church; if he does not listen to the Church, then let him be to you as if he were a pagan and a tax collector (publican). Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I tell you that if two of you agree on earth, whatever they ask will be given to them from My Father who is in heaven. For where there are two or three gathered in My name, there I am among them. Then Peter, approaching Him, said: “Lord! How many times will my brother sin against me and I will forgive him? up to seven times? Jesus said to him: Not until seven times, I tell you, but until seventy times seven. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle scores with his servants; and when he began to settle the account, one was presented to him who owed him ten thousand talents 13 ; and since he did not have anything to pay, his master ordered him to be sold, and his wife, and his sons, and everything that he had, and to pay [the debt]. But that slave, falling before him, begged him: “Have patience with me, and I will return everything to you. And (autem) the master had mercy on that slave, let him go, and forgave him the debt. And when that servant left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him ten denarii 14; and, holding him, forced him like this: “Give me what you owe.” And that fellow servant, falling down before him, begged him, saying: “Have patience with me, and I will return everything to you.” But this one did not want to, but left and threw him into prison until he paid the debt. However, his fellow servants who were [at this time] were very sad and went and told their master the whole incident. Then he called him and said to him: You worthless slave! I forgave you the entire debt because you asked me; Shouldn’t you also have taken pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? And his master was angry and handed him over to the tormentors until he repaid the debt. So will My heavenly Father do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from the bottom of his heart [v. 3–11; 15–35]. [Ch. XIX:] And the Pharisees came to Him, testing Him and saying: “Is it permissible to let your wife go for any reason?” He answered them: Have you not read that He who created [or with an addition: man], from the beginning created them male and female and said: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be attached to his wife, and they will be two in one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Thus, what God has united, let no man separate. They say to Him: “Why did Moses command to give a divorce note and let [the wife] go?” He said to them: That Moses allowed you to let your wives go because of the hardness of your hearts was not so from the beginning. But I tell you: Whoever lets his wife go, unless it is for adultery, and takes another commits adultery, and whoever takes his released wife commits adultery. His disciples say to Him: “If this is the case for a man in relation to his wife, then he should not marry.” He said: Not everyone is able to accept (capiunt) such a teaching (verbum), but [only] those to whom it is given. After all, there are eunuchs who were born like this from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who are made [such] from people; and there are those who castrated themselves for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept [this], let him accept. Then the children were brought to Him so that He could lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples forbade them. Jesus said to them: Let the little children, and do not forbid them, to come to Me, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. And after laying hands on them, he left from there. And one [young man], approaching Him, said: “Good teacher, what good can I do to have eternal life?” He said to him: Why do you ask Me about good? Good is God alone. If you want to enter into life, then keep the commandments. He said to Him: “Which ones?” And Jesus said to him: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not commit theft, do not bear false witness; Honor your father and your mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. The young man said to Him: “I have kept all this [Vulg. with the addition: from his youth]; what else am I missing? Jesus said to Him: If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and follow Me. When the young man heard this word, he went away saddened, for he had much property. And Jesus said to His disciples: Truly I tell you, a rich man will enter the kingdom of heaven with difficulty. And again I tell you: It is easier for a camel to go through the hole of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. But the disciples, hearing these words, were greatly amazed and began to say: “So, who can be saved”? Jesus, looking [at them], said to them: With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Then Peter answered Him: “Behold, we have left everything and followed You. What will happen to us? Truly I say to you: Because you have followed Me, at the time of regeneration (regeneratione), when the Son of man sits on the throne of His majesty, then you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever leaves house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or sons or fields for My name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and have eternal life. And many who are first will be last, and those who are last will be first [v. 3–30]. [Ch. XX:] Just as the Son of Man came not to enjoy service [to Himself], but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many [v. 28]. [Ch. XXII:] Therefore, what belongs to Caesar give to Caesar, and what belongs to God, then to God... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your thought. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is similar to this: love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hangs (pendet=hangs) all the law and the prophets [v. 21; 37–40]. [Ch. XXIII:] Then Jesus spoke to the people and to His disciples thus: The scribes and Pharisees sat in the seat of Moses. So whatever they tell you, observe and do, but do not act according to their deeds, for they say and do not do. They bind burdens that are heavy and inconvenient to bear and place them on the shoulders of people; but they themselves don’t want to move them even with a finger. And they do all their work to be visible to people. They are expanding their security 15 and increasing the covering of their clothing. They love the first places at feasts and the first seats in assemblies and greetings in the squares and the name of people: “Teacher.” But you do not want to be called 16 teachers (rabbi), for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call yourself a father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers, 17 for you have one teacher—Christ. Whoever is greatest among you will be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humiliated, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted... Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you give a tenth of mint, anise and caraway, but have left the most important things in the Law: justice, mercy and faith. And he must do this, but he must not abandon this either. The leaders are blind, filtering out a mosquito and devouring a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you cleanse the outside of the cup and the platter, but inside it is full of robbery and all uncleanness. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, so that what is outside may also be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed tombs, which from the outside appear beautiful to people, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and all uncleanness, so (quidem) you from the outside appear righteous to people, but inside are full of hypocrisy and untruth. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, and say: “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been accomplices in shedding the blood of the prophets. So, you are witnesses to yourselves that you are the children of those who killed the prophets, and you fill up the measure of your fathers. Snakes, the offspring of poisonous reptiles, how will you be saved from the judgment of Gehenna. And therefore, behold, I am sending to you prophets and wise men - scribes, and of them you [some] will kill and crucify and scourge in your assemblies and persecute from city to city; so that all the righteous blood shed on earth will fall on you, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Barachi, whom you killed between the church and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation [v. 1–12; 23–36]. [Ch. XXIV:] And since unrighteousness will abound, the love of many will grow cold; but whoever endures firmly to the end will be saved... Be prepared, because you do not know at what hour the Son of Man will come. Who do you think is a faithful and prudent servant, whom his master has appointed over his family, so that he will give him food at the right time? Blessed is the servant whom his master, upon his return, finds doing so. Truly I say to you, he will set it over all his name. And if a slave says to himself (in corde suo): “My master is delaying to come,” and begins to beat his fellow servants, and drinks and eats with drunkards, then the master of that slave will appear on a day on which he does not expect and at an hour of which he does not know, and will cut him off and assign his fate with the hypocrites. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth [v. 12; 43–51]. [Ch. XXV:] Therefore, watch, because you do not know the day or the hour... When the Son of man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory and all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from each other, as a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats, and He will place the sheep on the right side and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right side: Come, you blessed of My Father, and possess the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, naked and you covered Me, sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him: “When we saw you hungry, did we feed you, and when we saw you thirsty, did we give you something to drink? And when they saw You as a stranger, did they shelter You, or did you clothe You naked? Or when they saw You sick or in prison, did they come to You?” And the King will answer and say to them: Truly I say to you, when you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me. Then he will also say to those on the left side: Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, which is prepared for the devil and his servants (angels); for I was hungry, and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty, and you did not give Me anything to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not shelter Me; I was naked, and you did not clothe Me; I was sick and in prison, and you did not visit Me. Then they too will answer Him like this: “Lord, when we saw You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, we did not serve You.” Then he will answer them like this: Truly I say to you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. And these go to eternal torment, and the righteous to eternal life [v. 13; 31–46]. [Ch. VI:] Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation [vv. 41]. [Ch. VII:] Calling the people again, He spoke to them? Listen to Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a person that can defile him, but what comes out of a person can defile him. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. And when they entered the house from the midst of the crowd, the disciples asked Him regarding the parable. And He said to them: So you too find yourself not understanding? Don’t you understand that everything that enters a person from the outside cannot infect him (communicare, or: coinquinare = defile), because it does not enter the heart of a person, but into his womb, and comes out through an eruption that cleanses all foods? But, He said, what comes from a person infects him, because from the heart of a person come evil thoughts, fornication, adultery, murder, theft, greed, iniquity, intrigues, shamelessness, charm (oculus malus), blasphemy, pride, stupidity. All this evil comes out from within and infects a person [v. 14. 15–23]. [Ch. VIII:] Having called a crowd of people together with His disciples. He said to them: If anyone wants to follow Me, then let him deny Himself and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s sake will save it. In fact, what will benefit a person if he gains the whole world, but brings loss to his soul, or: What kind of replacement does a person give for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son also will be ashamed in the glory of His Father and His Angels [v. 34–38]. [Ch. IX:] And he took the child and placed him among them; and having embraced him, he said to them: Whoever receives one of the children of this kind in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives not Me, but him who sent Me... For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you are Christ’s, then, I tell you truly, he will not lose his reward. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea... Have salt in yourselves, and have peace among yourselves [v. 36–37; 41–42; 50]. [Ch. X:] And the Pharisees, approaching, said to Him, testing Him: “Is it permissible to let a wife go?” But He said to them: What did Moses command you? They said, “Moses allowed the bill of divorce to be written.” Jesus answered and said to them: He wrote you this commandment because of the hardness of your heart. And from the beginning God created the creation man and woman. Therefore, a man will leave his father and mother and become attached to his wife... And thus they are no longer two, but one flesh. So, what God joins together, let no man separate. And in the house the disciples asked Him about the same thing: And He said to them: Whoever lets his wife go and takes another commits fornication with her; and if a woman lets her husband go and marries another, she commits fornication... Let the children come to Me and do not forbid them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you: Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And hugging them, and laying His hands on them, He blessed them. And when He came out, someone ran up to Him and fell on his knees, asking Him: “Good Teacher, what should I do to receive eternal life? And Jesus said to him: Why do you call Me good? There is only one good God. You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not bear false witness, do not deceive, honor your father and mother. And he answered Him: “Teacher, I have kept all this from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him: You lack one thing: Go, sell everything that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come to follow Me. He was saddened by [His] word and went away with regret, for he was the owner of much wealth. And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples: With what difficulty will those who have money enter the kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again: How difficult it is, My children, for those who rely on wealth to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel (camelum) to pass through a hole in a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. They (qui) were even more surprised, saying among themselves: “But who can be saved?” And Jesus, looking at them, said: With men this is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. And Peter began to say: “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” In response, Jesus said: Everyone (nemo est... qui non) who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and the gospel (Evangelium), will receive a hundredfold in this time: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields along with the fasts; and in the next century - eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and those who are last will be first... You know that those who seem to rule among the heathen (nations) follow them, and those who are foremost among them have power over them. But this is not the case with you; but whoever wants to be great will be your servant (minister), and whoever wants to be first with you will be the slave (servus) of everyone. After all, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for all [v. 2–8; 14–31; 41–45]. [Ch. XI:] And in response Jesus says to them: Have faith in God; Truly I say to you: Whoever says to this mountain, “Take up and throw yourself into the sea,” and is not moved in his heart, but believes; so that whenever he says, “Let it be,” it will be for him. Therefore I say to you: Whatever you ask for when you pray, believe that you receive it, and it will come true to you. And when you stand in prayer, let go if you have anything against someone; so that your Heavenly Father may forgive you your sins. For if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive you your sins [v. 22–26]. [Ch. XII:] And Jesus answered and said to them: Therefore, return to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God... And one of the scribes, who listened to their questions, approached, and, seeing that He answered them well, asked Him: “Which of all the commandments is the first”? And Jesus answered him that first of all it was commanded: Hear, Israel: The Lord thy God is one God; and: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. The second is similar to this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said to Him: “Well, Teacher, You truly said that there is one God and there is no other besides Him, and to love Him with all your heart (yours) and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And Jesus, seeing that he answered wisely, said to Him: You are not far from the kingdom of God. And no one dared to ask Him anymore... Beware of the scribes who want to walk in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and in assemblies sit in the first seats and at tables in the first seats: they devour the houses of widows, say extensive prayers; they receive a heavy condemnation. And sitting opposite the treasury, Jesus watched as the crowd threw money into the treasury; and so many rich people threw away a lot. When one poor widow approached, she threw two minutes 18, i.e. quadrant 19. And calling the disciples, he said to them: Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all those who threw into the treasury, for they all put in from what they had in abundance, but out of her poverty she put in all that she had, all her means of living [v. 17, 28–34; 38–44]. [Ch. XIII] And when the traitors lead you, then do not think in advance what you will say, but say what will be given to you at that hour. After all, it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit... And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. And whoever endures to the end will be saved... Watch, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time will come. This is just like a man who went to foreign countries, left his home and gave his servants authority over all matters, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. Therefore, watch, for you do not know when the master of the house will come: in the evening, or in the middle of the night, at the cock's crow, or in the morning; in case he comes suddenly, do not let him catch you sleeping. That is why I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch [v. 11; 13; 33–37]. [Ch. II] Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will [v. 14]. [Ch. III:] “And the people asked Him, saying: “So, what should we do?” And He answered and said to them: He who has two coats, give to him who has not, and he who has food, let him do likewise. Tax collectors (publicans) also came and said to him: “Teacher, what should we do?” And he said to them: Do not do anything more contrary to what is decreed for you. The soldiers also asked him, saying: “What should we do?” And he said to them: Do not beat anyone, do not slander anyone, and be content with your salary [v. 10–14]. [Ch. VI:] Blessed are the poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are those who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed will you be when people hate you, and when they separate you and revile you and cast your name as evil for the sake of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and be triumphant, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; That's what they did with the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have consolation for yourselves! Woe to you who are full, for you will be hungry! Woe to you who are now laughing, for you will weep and weep! Woe when all men speak good to you: for this is what their fathers did to the false prophets! And to you who hear I say: Love your enemies; do good to those who hated you; speak kindly (bless) about those who speak evil of you (about those who curse you); pray for those who slander you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other as well, and whoever takes away your outer clothing, do not prevent him from [taking] your lower one. But give to everyone who asks you, and whoever takes away what belongs to you, do not demand it back. And treat people the way you want them to treat you. And if you love those who love you, then what grace to you, for sinners also love those who love them; and if you do good to those who do good to you, what grace is that to you, since even sinners do this. If you give in return to those from whom you expect to receive, then what grace is there for you, since even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive equal. But you love your enemies, do good and give in return, without expecting anything from it. And your reward will be many and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is gracious to both the ungrateful and the wicked. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged. Don't judge and you won't be judged. Forgive sins and receive forgiveness. Give, and it will be given to you. Your buckets will be given a good measure, tightly packed (confertum, et coagitatam) and exceeding (given). It will be measured to you with the same measure with which you will measure. He also told them examples for comparison (parables): Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they both fall into a hole? There is no student greater than the teacher; but everyone will improve and let him be like his teacher. But why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Or: how can you say to your brother: “Brother! let me take the speck out of your eye, not seeing the beam in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then see to it that you take the speck out of your brother’s eye. After all, there is no good tree that bears bad fruit, nor a bad tree that bears good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its fruit. Indeed, they do not gather figs from thorn trees or grapes from rose hips. A good man brings forth good from the treasury of his good heart; and an evil man brings evil out of his evil heart. The mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Why do you cry to Me: “Lord, Lord! and do you not do what I say? I will show who everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and does them is like: He is like a man building a house, which he founded on high and established the foundation on the rock. And when the flood came over that house, the flood rushed against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on a rock. But whoever listens but does not do it is like a man building his house on the ground without a foundation; and when the flood came, he immediately fell, and there was great destruction of that house [v. 20–49]. [Ch. VII:] So to whom will I liken the people of this generation? and who do they look like? They are like children sitting in the square and talking to each other and saying: “We played the pipes for you, but you did not dance; we complained, but you didn't cry. Indeed, John the Baptist came, neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say: He has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say: “Behold, a gluttonous man and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. And wisdom was justified in all her sons [v. 31–35]. [Ch. VIII:] And this parable means the following: The seed is the word of God. And those who are on the way are those who listen; and then the devil comes and snatches the word from their hearts, so that they will not be saved by faith. And those who are on the stone are those who, having heard, joyfully receive the word; but they have no root, since they believe temporarily, but also retreat during temptation. And those who fell among the thorns are those who heard; but are suppressed in life by the cares, wealth and pleasures of life and do not bear fruit. And those who [fell] on the good ground are those who, listening to the word with a kind and beautiful heart, preserve it and bear fruit in patience. But no one, when lighting a lamp, covers it with a vessel or places it under a bed; and puts it on a candlestick, so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and no secret that will not be recognized and come to light. So, look how you heard. Indeed, whoever has, what will be given to him, and whoever does not have, what he thinks he has will be taken away from him [v. 11–18]. [Chapter IX:] And having called the twelve Apostles, He gave them authority and power over all unclean spirits and that they might heal infirmities. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and heal the weak, and said to them: Carry nothing on the way, neither a staff, nor a scrip, nor bread, nor copper in your belts, nor even two clothes. And whatever house you enter, stay there and do not leave there; and from those who will not accept you, leaving such a city, even shake off the dust from your feet as a witness against them... And (addressing) to everyone, He said: If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself forever (quotidie - daily) and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to make his soul healthy will destroy it; in fact, whoever loses his soul for My sake will save it; and what will it serve a person if he gains the whole world, but destroys himself and causes harm to himself? After all, whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in His greatness, and the Father, and the holy Angels... But the thought came to them which of them would be greater. And Jesus, seeing the thoughts of their hearts, took the child and placed him near Him and said to them: Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; because whoever is the least among you all is the greatest... And to another [of those who listened] he said: Follow Me. But he said to Him: “Sir, let me first go and bury my father. And Jesus said to him: Leave the dead to bury their dead, while you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. And the other said: “I will follow You, Lord, but first let me tell those who remain at home. But Jesus said to him: No one who puts his hand on a cheat and looks back is fit for the kingdom (vv. 1-5; 23-26; 46-48; 59-62). [Ch. X:] Behold, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not carry [with you] a bag, a scrip, or shoes, and do not greet anyone on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say: “Peace to this house,” and if the son of peace is there, then your peace will be on him, and if not, then he will return to you. Stay in the same house to drink and eat what they have; for the worker is worthy of his reward. Don't move from house to house. And whatever city you enter and are received, eat of what is set before you; and heal the sick who are in it, and say to them: “The kingdom of God has come near to you. And if you enter any city and you are not accepted, then, going out into the streets, say: “We are throwing down on you the dust that has stuck to us from your city; but nevertheless know that the kingdom of God is at hand.” I tell you that on that day Sodom will be more forgiven than that city... However, do not rejoice that the spirits obey you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven... Now a certain [man], skilled in the law, stood up, testing him and saying: “What by doing will I have eternal life?” And He said to him: What is written in the Law? How do you read [there]? He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your thought, and your neighbor as yourself... Which of these three seems to you to be a neighbor to the one who fell into the hands of robbers? And he said: “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him: Go and do likewise... Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things; and yet one thing is necessary; but Mary chose a better fate, which will not be taken away from her [v. 3–13; 20; 25–27; 36, 37; 41, 42]. [Ch. XI:] And when you pray [He said], say this: Father, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come. Give us now our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive every debtor, and do not lead us into temptation. And he said to them: Who of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night and tells him: “Friend, give me three loaves of bread as a loan, because my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing to put before him,” and he from inside the house will say to him in response: “Do not burden me: the door is already closed and my children are in bed with me; I can’t get up and give it to you.” And if he insistently knocks, then, I tell you, although he will not give it to him as a friend, he will nevertheless stand up and give it to him, out of stubbornness, no matter how much is necessary. And I tell you, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, push and it will be revealed to you. For everyone who asks receives, whoever seeks finds, and to him who knocks it is opened. But when one of you asks your father for bread, will he give him a stone? Or fish - then will he give him a snake? So, if you, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father from heaven give the good Spirit (bonum) to those who ask Him... And when He spoke like this, a certain woman exclaimed in a sublime voice: “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts that You sucked!” And He said: How much more blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it... And while He was speaking, some of the Pharisees asked Him to come in to eat food; and He entered and lay down. And the Pharisee, reasoning to himself, began to say why He did not wash before eating (baptisatus non esset). And the Lord said to Him: Behold, you Pharisees cleanse what is outside the cup and platter; but what is within you is full of robbery and lawlessness. Madmen! Wasn’t He the only One who created the external as well as the internal. But here’s what’s more important: give alms, then everything [will be] clean for you. But woe to you, Pharisees, because you tithe mint, rue (ruta) and all kinds of vegetables and neglect the judgment and love of God. And you should do this too, but not abandon this either; woe to you, Pharisees, because you love the first seats in the assemblies and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you, for you are like invisible tombs (monumenta), so that (quae) the people who walk on them do not know them. But one of the lawyers answered Him: “Teacher, by saying this, You bring dishonor to us.” And He said: Woe to you lawyers, because you sadden people with an unbearable burden, but you yourselves do not even touch the burden with your finger [v. 2–14; 27, 28; 37–46). [Ch. XII:] Refrain from the leaven of the Pharisees, that is, hypocrisy... I say to you, My friends: do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that cannot do anything more. I will show you what you need to fear: fear the one who, after killing, has the power to throw into Gehenna. So, I say, you should be afraid of this. Don't two sparrows give for two small coins; but not one of them is forgotten before God? And even all the hairs on your head are listed. So, do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows. But I say to you: Whoever confesses Me before men, even the Son of man will be confessed before the angels of God; and whoever denies Me before men will be rejected before the angels of God. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be released; but whoever curses the Holy Spirit will not be released. And when they bring you before the judges and authorities, do not worry about how or what you will answer or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will always teach you what you should say. And no one from the crowd said to Him: “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me. And He said to him: Man! Who made Me a judge or a divider among you? And he said to them: Watch and beware of all stinginess; After all, His life does not consist in the abundance of each person, [not from what] he possesses. And He told them this parable: The field of a certain rich man bore abundant fruit; and he began to think to himself like this: “What should I do? for I have no room in which to gather my fruits. And he said: “This is what I will do: I will build my granary, and build a larger one, and I will gather there everything that has come from me, and my property. And I will say to my soul: “Soul! you have a lot of goods collected for many years. Take it easy, eat, drink and be merry.” But God said to him: You fool! this very night your soul will be taken from you again; and who will own what you have prepared?” So it will be with everyone who lays up treasures for themselves, and does not become rich for God’s sake. And He said to His disciples: Do not worry about your soul, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. The soul is more important than food and the body is more important than clothing. Look at the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouses nor granaries; and God feeds them; but how much more important are you than them? Whoever of you cares [about himself] can add one cubit to his height. Thus, if you cannot do the least, then why bother about the rest. Look at the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. But I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory did not dress like one of these. If God thus clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more so than you, O you of little faith? So, do not seek what to eat, or what to drink, or to exalt yourself on high. For all this is what the pagans of the world seek. And your Father knows that you need it. But seek the kingdom of God. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell ​​what you have and give alms. Build for yourselves storehouses that do not grow old, and treasures in heaven that do not fail, which no thief steals, no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be... But be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect. Peter said to Him: “Are You, Lord, telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” And the Lord said: Who do you think is the faithful and reasonable steward whom the Lord has appointed over his family to give them a measure of bread in due season? Blessed is that servant whom the Master, at his coming, finds doing so. Truly I tell you, he will put him over everything he owns. And if that servant says in his heart: “My master is slow to come and begins to beat the servants (paeros) and maidservants, and eat and drink until he gets drunk; then the master of that servant will come at an hour at which he does not know, dismiss him and assign him a fate with the infidels. And that servant who knew the will of his master and did not do or prepare according to his will will be beaten with many stripes; and whoever did not know, but did something worthy of blows, will receive few beatings. From everyone to whom much is given, much will be asked; and to whom much is entrusted, much will be demanded of him... Hypocrites, you want to test the face of earth and heaven; How come you don’t experience this time? Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is righteous? [Art. 1; 4–34; 40–48; 56, 57]. [Ch. XIII:] Strive to enter through the narrow gate; I tell you that many are seeking to enter and are not able [v. 24]. [Ch. XIV:] And to those invited he told a parable, looking at how they chose the first places for themselves, saying this: when you are invited to a wedding feast, do not lie down in the first place, lest they [the host] invite a more honorable one, and the one who called you comes and says to you: “Give him a place. And then you will take last place with shame. But when you are invited, then retreat and take the last place, so that when the one who invited you approaches, he will say to you: “Friend, come higher.” Then you will have glory before those who sit together; because everyone who exalts himself will humble himself, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. And to the one who invited Him, he also said: When you arrange a feast or supper, do not invite your friends, nor your brothers, nor relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you and you will not be rewarded. But when you arrange a feast, invite the poor, the weak, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they have nothing to repay you with; then (enim) you will have your reward on the day of recompense [or: resurrection] of the righteous. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers and sisters, and also his own soul, and does not follow Me, he cannot be My disciple. For which of you, wanting to create a tower, does not sit down in advance to consider the costs that are necessary, whether he has them to complete the task; so that after he lays the foundation and is unable to finish, all who see [it] do not mock and say that this man began to build and could not finish. Or what king, having to go to war against another king, does not sit down to think: can he resist him with ten thousand, when he is coming against him with twenty thousand? Otherwise, when he is still far away, he will send an embassy and ask for peace. Therefore, any one of you, without renouncing all that he owns, cannot be My disciple [v. 7–14; 26–33]. [Ch. XVI:] And I say to you, make friends for yourselves from the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when you have a deficiency, they will receive you into the eternal abodes. He who is faithful in small things is also faithful in big things. So, if you have not been faithful in unrighteous wealth, who will give you what is yours? No slave can serve two masters: Either he will hate one and love the other, or he will become attached to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. But the Pharisees, who were stingy, heard all this and laughed at Him. And He said to them: You are such that you justify yourself before men. But God knows your hearts, because that which is high among men is abominable to God... Anyone who lets his wife go and takes another commits fornication [v. 9–15; 18]. [Ch. ХVII:] It is impossible for temptations not to occur; but woe to him through whom they come. It would have been better for him if a millstone had been hung around his neck and he had been thrown into the sea, than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be attentive to yourself. If your brother sins, forbid him, and if he repents, then let him go. Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times a day, turning to you, he says: “I repent,” then let him go [v. 1–4]. [Ch. XVIII:] And regarding some who were confident that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt, He spoke the following parable: Two men entered the church to pray: one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector (publican). The Pharisee, standing, said to himself: “God, I thank You that I am not like other people, robbers, unjust, fornicators, like this publican: I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of whatever I get.” But the publican, standing in the distance, did not want to raise his eyes to heaven; but, hitting himself on the chest, he said: “God! be merciful to me, a sinner.” I tell you that the last one went out to his house justified from him 20 . Indeed, the one who ascends will be humiliated, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. They also brought children to Him so that He could touch them. When the disciples saw this, they forbade them. And Jesus, calling them, said: Let the children come to Me and do not forbid them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And a certain prince asked Him, saying: “Good Teacher! What should [me] do to gain eternal life? Jesus said: Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. Do you know the commandments: “Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.” He said: I have kept all this from my youth. Hearing this, Jesus said: You lack one more thing. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me. He, hearing these words, became sad because he was very rich. And Jesus, seeing him sad, said: How difficult it will be for those who have money to enter the kingdom. Indeed, it is easier for a camel to enter the hole of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. And those who heard said: “Who can be saved?” He told them: What is impossible with men is possible with God. And Peter said: “We have left everything and followed You.” He said to them: There is no one who, having left home, or parents, or brothers, or wife or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, will not receive much more in this temporary life (in hoc tempore) and in the next age, eternal life [v. 9–30]. [Ch. XIX:] Having become Zacchaeus, he said to the Lord: “Here, Lord, I am giving half of my property to the poor, and if I have offended anyone in any way, I will reward you fourfold.” And Jesus said to him: Behold, now the salvation of this house has come, because he too is the son of Abraham, for the Son of man came to call and save the lost [v. 8–10]. [Ch. XX:] Therefore, restore to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and to God that which belongs to God... And to his disciples he said in the hearing of all the people: Carefully beware of the scribes, who want to walk in long robes and love greetings in the marketplace and the first seats in the synagogues and the first places to recline at feasts, who devour the houses of widows and orphans, hypocritically making long prayers: they will receive greater condemnation [v. 25; 47, 48]. [Ch. XXI:] And looking, He saw those rich people who threw their gifts into the treasury, he also saw a certain very poor widow throwing two copper minutes (small coins), and said: Truly I say to you: This poor widow threw in more than anyone else, because all these as a gift to God put in from their abundance, and she, from her lack, put in all the means of life that she had... So, make it a point in your hearts not to think about how you will answer, For I will give you a mouth and wisdom that all your adversaries cannot resist or contradict. You will be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and [some] of you will be put to death, and for My name’s sake you will be hated by everyone; but not a hair of your head shall perish. By your patience you will win your souls... But be attentive to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with gluttony and intoxication and the worries of this life, and that day does not suddenly come to you. For he will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth, like a snare. Watch therefore, praying all the time, that you may be worthy to escape what is to come, and to stand before the Son of Man [v. 1–4; 14–19; 34–36]. [Ch. XXII:] A misunderstanding arose between them about which of them should be considered greater. He said to them: Kings of the nations rule over them, and those who have power over them are called benefactors. But you are not; but let him who is the eldest among you be as the younger, and the representative (praecessor) as the servant. Really: who is bigger? Whether reclining or serving. Isn't he reclining? But I am among you as one who serves... Pray that you will not fall into temptation [v. 24–27; 46]. [Ch. V:] How can you believe when you (qui) receive glory from each other, and you do not seek glory that is only from God [v. 44]? [Ch. VIII:] Jesus said: And I will not condemn you. Go and sin no more... If you continue in My word, you will truly be My disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free... Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin... Truly, truly, I say to you, If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death [v. 11; 31, 32; 34; 51]. [Ch. XII:] He who loves his soul [life] will destroy it; and whoever hates his soul in this world will save it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, My Father will glorify him... For they have loved the glory of men more than the glory of God [v. 25–26; 43]. [Ch. XIII:] You call Me: Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for that is what I am. So, if I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, then you should also wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example, so that you also do as I have done for you... I give you a new commandment: that you love each other [invieem=mutually], as I have loved you, that you love yourselves mutually. This is why everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another [v. 13–15; 34–35]. [Ch. XIV:] If you love Me, then keep My commandments... He who keeps (habet) My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me, and whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will appear to Him Myself... If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and will have abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words [v. 15; 21; 23, 24]. [Ch. XV:] Abide in Me and I in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so (sic nec) you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he will be thrown out and dry up, and they will pick him up and throw him into the fire, and he will be burned. If you abide in Me, then My words will abide in you. Ask what you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified in this, that you will bear abundant fruit and become My disciples. As the Father loved Me, so I have loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. I told you that My joy may be in you, and your joy will be full. My commandment is that you should love each other mutually, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than he, to lay down his life for his friends... This I command you: love one another [v. 4–13; 17]. This is what (haec) I considered necessary to present from the four Gospels in the present work. From this we can understand that the three Evangelists, namely Matthew Mark and Luke, gave us many instructions for life because they mainly followed the part that is called active. And since John was more contemplative, although his Gospel is superior to the others, we find in it a comparatively smaller number of instructions regarding morals. After this, we will recall the very little that we found from the book to which the name “Acts of the Apostles” is given. Indeed, it contains a narrative (historia) of the events that took place on which faith is based, and it describes more examples [of life] than it gives commandments. From the book of THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES [Ch. XV:] So Jacob said in his speech: Therefore I reason that it should not be a burden to those who from among the Gentiles turn to the Lord; and to write to them that they should abstain from [eating] things defiled by idols, from fornication, from things strangled, and from blood... It was the will of the Holy Spirit that we should not impose more burdens on you, except for the following necessary things: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from adultery; by abstaining from this you will do well. Be healthy [vv. 19, 20; 28, 29]. [Ch. XX:] And after much, when the Apostle Paul spoke to the primates (praepositis) of the Church whom he had gathered, he said: Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to rule the Church of God, which He purchased with His blood... I did not desire from anyone silver, gold, or clothing, you call it yourself. For these hands of mine have worked for what I need and for those who are with me. I have shown you in everything that by working in this way you need to embrace the weak, and remember the word of the Lord Jesus, Who Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive [v. 28; 33–36]. [Ch. XXI:] And in another place, when James and those with him spoke with the Apostle Paul, they said to him: You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed, and all of them are keepers of the law. But they heard about you that you teach about the apostasy from Moses of those Jews who are among the pagans, saying that they should not circumcise their children and not live according to customs. So what is it? Of course, of necessity, a crowd will gather, because they heard that you came, so you do what we say: There are four people among us who have a vow; Having taken them, you are sanctified (sanctifica) together with them and insist that they shave their heads, then everyone will know that what they have heard about you is false, and you yourself walk in fulfillment of the law. And we have written about those of the Gentiles who believed, desiring that they should abstain from things sacrificed to idols, blood, strangulation, and fornication [v. 20–25]. We believe that this from the book of the Acts of the Apostles is sufficient for our present work, which is what we have proposed here. From here we see that the Apostles did not impose on the pagan believers, as far as bodily abstinence in lust is concerned, anything other than abstinence from the three indicated [things], that is, from things sacrificed to idols, from blood and from fornication. Based on this, some believe that there are only three deadly crimes: idolatry, murder and fornication, which, of course, includes adultery and any copulation other than marital; as if, in addition to the three named, some other sins (crimina) that separate from the Kingdom of God are not mortal, or as if the words [of the Apostle] mean nothing or are false: Neither thieves, nor misers, nor drunkards, nor slanderers [or: evildoers], nor extortioners (robbers) will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. VI, 10). But, having finished our objection, we must proceed to the Apostolic Epistles and also look in them, which is quite suitable for the present work. From the letter of the Blessed Apostle Paul to the Romans [Ch. I:] I do not blush for the gospel. For [it] is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, firstly to the Jew and [secondly] to the Greek [Greek], for the righteousness of God is revealed in him from faith to faith, as it is written: The just lives [or: will live] by faith 21 . Indeed, the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of those people who eliminate the truth through unrighteousness. After all, what needs to be known about God is clearly visible in them, for God has revealed it to them, so His invisible [properties] from the creation of the world are contemplated as accessible to the mind through what is created, as well as His eternal power and divinity; so they are unrequited, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify and thank God as God, but in their thoughts they showed emptiness, and their foolish heart was darkened. Saying that they were wise, they became foolish, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things; therefore God gave them over to the desires of their hearts and to impurity, so that within themselves they defamed their bodies. They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, Who is blessed forever. Amen. Therefore, God gave them over to shameful passions, for their wives changed their natural use into an unnatural one. Likewise, their husbands, having departed from the natural use of women, became inflamed with desires for each other, men with men committing shameful acts, and themselves receiving what due retribution for their error. And since they did not care to have God in knowledge, God gave them over to a depraved mind to do what is incongruous: they are filled with all lawlessness, malice, adultery, greed, untruth, envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, atrocities; they are slanderers, traitors, haters of God, offenders, proud, arrogant, inventive in evil, disobeying their parents, reckless, treacherous, without love, irreconcilable (uncommunicative), unmerciful. Since they did not know the righteousness of God, they did not understand that those who do so are worthy of death, and not only those who do so, but also those who agree with those who do so [v. 16–32]. [Ch. II.] Therefore, you, every person who judges [another] cannot be excused, for by what you judge another, you condemn yourself; after all, you [yourself] do the same, for you condemn [or: condemning – ὁ κρίνων]. For we know that the judgment of God is in truth against those who do such things. O man, who condemns those who do this, and who does the same, do you think that you will escape the judgment of God? Do you really despise the riches of His kindness and meekness and long-suffering? Don’t you know that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But through your stubbornness and hardness of heart, you accumulate anger for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, which will reward everyone according to his deeds - namely, to those who persevere in good deeds seeking the glory of honor and incorruptibility - eternal life, and to those who resist and do not join the truth, but believe untruth - anger and indignation. Tribulation and oppression on every soul of man who does evil, first the Jew, [and then] the Greek... For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law will be made righteous... You who teach another do not teach yourself, you who preach that you should not steal, you steal, you who speak that you should not commit adultery, you commit adultery, you who despise idols, you practice sacrilege, you who boast in fulfilling the Law, you do not honor God, because you pervert the Law. Indeed, through you the name of God, as it is written, is made the subject of blasphemy among the pagans [v. 1–10; 13; 21–24] (Isa. LII, 5; Ezek. XXXVI, 20). [Ch. V;] Therefore, having been made righteous by faith, we will have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom by faith we have access to that grace in which we stand and are glorified in the hope of the glory of being sons of God. And not only this, but we are glorified by tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces patience, and from patience comes experience, and experience leads to hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because the love of God is poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us [v. 1–5]. [Ch. VI:] Therefore, let not sin reign in your mortal body, to obey its desires; and do not give your members as instruments of iniquity into sin, but give yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God... I speak humanly because of the weakness of your flesh. And how you have given your members to the service of uncleanness and iniquity for iniquity; so now give your members to the service of righteousness for holiness [v. 12–14; 19]. [Ch. VIII] So, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the [desires of] the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; But if you put to death in the Spirit the deeds of the flesh, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God...namely, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; however, if we have compassion [with Him], then we will be glorified together... If we wait for what we do not see, then we wait with patience... but we know that all things work together for good to those who love God... Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Is it grief? or cramped? or persecution? or hunger? or nudity? or danger? or a sword? As it is written: Since we are killed for you every day, we were considered as sheep destined for the slaughter. But in all this we have prevailed for the sake of Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor the present, nor the future, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [v. 12–14; 17; 25; 35–39; Ps. ХLIII, 23]. [Ch. X:] For with the heart one believes in the truth, and with the lips confession is made for salvation. For the Scripture says: Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame [Isa. XXVIII, 16], for there is no difference between Jew and Greek, since one and the same Lord of all, rich for all who call on Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord is saved [v. 10–13. Joel., II, 13]. [Ch. XI:] And you stand in faith; do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if the Lord did not spare the natural branches, then, of course, He will not spare you either. So, look at the goodness and severity of God; against those who have fallen - severity, but for you - goodness, if you continue in goodness [v. 20–22]. [Ch. XII:] So, my brothers, I adjure you by the mercy of God, so that you present your bodies as a sacrifice acceptable to God, living, holy, as your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to the present age; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I speak by the grace given to me, so that all who are among you should not philosophize more than they ought to philosophize, but philosophize modestly, as God has given to everyone the measure of faith. For just as in one body we have many members, but not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and each one separately is a member of one another, but having gifts differing according to [the measure of] the grace that is given to us: either prophecy according to the mind of faith, or ministry to serve; or if someone teaches, then in teaching, and if he exhorts, then in exhortation; and he who distributes does so in simplicity; whoever presides is in care; he who is merciful does so with joy; Let love be unfeigned, hate evil, cling to goodness, showing mutual brotherly love. Warn each other in doing honor; [as] not lazy in caring, servants of the Lord, joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, constant in prayer, giving the necessary to the saints, caring in hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [We must] rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep; sympathize with each other. Do not be highly wise, but sympathize with the humble, not repaying anyone evil for evil, caring for good not only before God, but also before all people 22. If possible, as far as it depends on you, have peace with all people. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give way to anger, 23 for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord [Deut. XXXII, 35]. So, if your enemy is hungry, then give him food; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. By doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be possessed by evil, but overcome evil with good [v. 1–21]. [Ch. XIII:] Let every soul be subject to the highest authorities. For there is no authority except the authority of God, and the existing authorities are established by God. Thus, he who resists authority resists God’s command, but those who resist bring upon themselves condemnation; after all, those in power exist out of fear, not for a good deed, but for an evil one. If you want not to be afraid of power, do good and you will receive praise from it, for it is a servant for your good. And if you do evil, then be afraid, for she carries a sword for a reason. After all, she is a servant of God, an angry avenger against those who do evil to her. And therefore it is necessary to be in submission not only out of anger, but also out of conscience. That’s why you pay taxes, because they are God’s servants, working for this very purpose. Give credit to everyone; to whom - a fee, to that - a fee; to whom is tribute, to whom is tribute, to whom is fear, to whom is fear, and to whom is honor, to whom is honor. Do not remain indebted to anyone except the debt of mutual love. After all, whoever loves his neighbor will fulfill the law, because [the commandments]: “Do not commit adultery,” “do not kill,” “do not steal,” “do not bear false witness,” “do not covet,” or any other commandment are contained in one word: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love for one's neighbor does not produce evil. So, fulfilling the law is love. And knowing this time, that the hour has already come for us to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night passed and the day approached. Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light; Let us walk honestly, as in daylight, not in excess or drunkenness, not in debauchery and shameless sleepiness, not in strife and jealous envy; but let us put on the Lord Jesus; and do not place concern for the flesh in satisfying lusts [v. 1–14]. [Ch. XIV:] Accept him who is not firm in the faith without arguing about opinions. For one thinks that everything is [possible]; but let him who is weak [in spirit] eat vegetables. He who eats should not condemn the one who does not eat, and he who does not eat should not condemn the one who eats; for God accepted him. Who are you, judging someone else's servant? He stands or falls before his master; but he will stand, for God is able to sustain him. Indeed, one distinguishes (jndicat) day from day; and the other judges every day. Let everyone use his mind abundantly. He who philosophizes during the day philosophizes for the Lord; whoever eats eats for the Lord; and whoever does not eat does not eat for the Lord, and gives thanks to God. In fact, none of us lives for ourselves and none of us dies for ourselves; For whether we live, we live for the Lord, or whether we die, we die for the Lord, because whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. After all, Christ died and rose again for this purpose, to rule over the living and the dead. And you, why do you judge your brother? or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of the Lord, for it is written: As I live, says the Lord, for every knee will bow to Me and every tongue will confess to God. So, each of us will answer for himself before God. So, let's not judge each other mutually. But most of all, think about not placing obstacles or temptations for the brethren. For I know, or believe it to be certain in the Lord Jesus, that nothing in itself is unclean 24 ; it is unclean [common, publicly accessible] only to those who consider it so. Indeed, if your brother is sad because of food, then you are no longer acting out of love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died, and let not our goodness be blasphemed. After all, the kingdom of God is not food or drink, but truth and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit; for whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people. So, let us follow what belongs to the world and serves for mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. For all is pure; but it is bad for the man who eats temptation. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, just as it is good not to eat anything with which your brother is amazed, or tempted, or weak. You have faith, have it in yourself before God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves, and whoever hesitates is condemned if he eats, because it is not from faith. Everything that is not of faith is sin [v. 1–23]. [Ch. XV:] But we, the stronger ones, must support the weaknesses of the weaker ones, and not please ourselves. May each of us be pleasing to our neighbors for edification for good. After all, Christ did not please Himself, for it is written: The slander of those who slandered You fell on Me (Ps. LXVHI, 10). But what is written was written for our teaching, so that through patience and consolation in the Scriptures we may have hope. May the God of patience and consolation grant you the same wisdom regarding each other according to the teaching of Jesus Christ, so that with one accord and with one mouth you glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Jesus Christ accepted you to the glory of God... For Macedonia and Ahijah decided to make a certain collection for the poor from the saints who are in Jerusalem; as they pleased, and they are their debtors. In fact, if the pagans have become partakers of them in their spiritual goods, then they must serve them in carnal ones. So, I adjure you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the grace of the Spirit, that you help me in prayers for me to God [v. 1–7; 26–27; 30]. [Ch. XVI:] But I ask you, brothers, that you watch out for those who cause strife and bickering contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and turn away from them. For people of this kind serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly, and with flattering speeches and eloquence they deceive the hearts of innocent people. And your submission [to the true teaching] became known in all places. Therefore I rejoice for your sake, but I want you to be wise in good and simple in evil [v. 17–19]. From the message [I] of Blessed. Paul to the Corinthians [Ch. I] I adjure you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you all preach the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. But be perfect in the same understanding and in the same thought. For I have been informed about you by those who are [in the house of] Chloe, that there are disputes between you. I’m talking exactly about what each of you says: “I am Pavlov, and I am Apollosov, I am Cephas, and I am Christov.” Was Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?... Of Him [God] you also are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, whoever boasts may boast from God [Jer. IX, 24 ]; [Art. 10–13; 30, 31]. [Ch. III:] Indeed, since there are competitions and misunderstandings among you, are you not carnal, and are you not walking in the things of men? After all, when someone says; “I am Pavlov,” and the other: “And I am Apollosov,” then aren’t you people?.. Don’t you know that you are the church of God, and the spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone defiles the church of God, God will destroy him; for the church of God is holy, and that church is you. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him be a fool in order to be wise, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God [v. 3, 4; 16–19]. [Ch. IV:] So, do not judge before the time, until the Lord comes, who will illuminate what is hidden in darkness and reveal the counsels of the heart, and then everyone will receive praise from God. And this, brethren, I have depicted regarding myself and Apollos for your sake, so that you may learn in us not to be arrogant to each [of you] over another more than is written. Really, what marks you? What do you have that you wouldn't have? And if you have received, then why do you boast as if you had not received?... After all, until this hour we endure hunger, and thirst, and nakedness, and endure blows, and do not have a permanent residence, and we labor, working with our own hands. They slander us, but we bless us, they persecute us, but we endure, they blaspheme us, but we pray. We have become like the scum of this world, until now we are like uncleanness for everyone. I do not write this to confuse you, but to instruct you as my dearest sons [v. 5–7; [Ch. V:] Undoubtedly we have heard of fornication among you, and such fornication as does not exist even among the pagans, namely (ut ita) that someone [instead of a wife] has his father’s wife. And you are proud, and did not rather express grief, so that the one who does such a thing would be removed from your midst. But I, who was removed in body, but present [among you] in spirit, as if in person, judged that whoever did such a thing in your congregation, together with my spirit, by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, should deliver him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that [his] spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. The rumor about you is not good. Don't you know that a little leaven makes the whole dough leaven? So purify out the old leaven, so that it may be new lump for you, since you are unleavened. For our Easter is the slain Christ. Let us therefore feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of wickedness and unrighteousness, but with the unleavened bread of purity and truth. I wrote to you in letters so that you should not mingle with those who commit fornication, and in general with fornicators, or misers, or robbers, or idolaters; otherwise you would have to depart from this world. But I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who, while calling himself a brother, turns out to be a fornicator, or a stingy person, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or a predator; You can’t even eat food with someone like that. Indeed, why should I judge those who stand outside. Do you not judge those who are within? And those who are outside [the Church] will be judged by God. Remove evil from your midst [v. 1–131]. [Ch. VI:] Which of you, when dealing with another, dares to go to court with the wicked, and not with the saints? Don't you know that the saints have to judge this world? But if the world is judged by you, are you not worthy of judging very insignificant things? Don't you know that we will judge even the angels? Shouldn't this even more be said about everyday affairs? If you have worldly courts, then you set up for the proceedings of those who deserve contempt in [or by the court of] the Church. I say this as a warning to you. Isn’t there anyone among you who could judge his brother? However, brother and brother go to court, and this happens before the infidels. In fact, it is quite reprehensible that you allow litigation among yourself. Why don't you bear the grievances? Why wouldn't you choose to endure the deception? But you [on the contrary] inflict insults and allow deceptions, and even regarding your brothers! Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be mistaken: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sensualists, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor misers, nor drunkards, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God... Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? So, will I take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? God forbid! (Absit). Don’t you know that he who associates with a harlot becomes one body [with her], for, says [Scripture], they will become one flesh. But whoever cleaves to the Lord is one spirit. Avoid adultery. For every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but he who commits fornication sins in his own body. Do you not know that your members are the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, and which you have from God, and you are not your own, for you were bought with a price; glorify and bear the Lord in your body [v. 1–11; 13–20]. [Ch. VIII:] Regarding what you write, it is good that a man does not touch a woman; but to avoid fornication, let each one have his own wife and each one her own husband. Let the husband give tribute to his wife, and the wife to her husband. The wife has no power over her body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not own his body, but the wife does. Do not refuse each other, only for a while by mutual agreement, so that you have freedom for prayer, and return to the same thing again, so that Satan does not tempt you because of your intemperance. But I say this out of condescension [towards you], and not in the sense of a commandment. I want all people to be like me; but each has his own gift from God: one is like this, and another is like that. But to those who are not married and to widows, I say: it is good for them too if they remain as I do. But if they cannot resist, then let them get married, for it is better to get married than to get angry. And to those who are connected by marriage, I command not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband, and if she does, she should remain unmarried, or be reconciled with her husband. And let the husband not let his wife go. But to the rest I say, and not the Lord, if any brother has an unbelieving wife [i.e. e. pagan], and she agrees to live with him, then let him not leave her; also if any woman has an unbelieving husband, but he agrees to live with her, then let her not let him go; For a believing husband is sanctified by a believing wife, and an unbelieving wife is sanctified by a believing husband; otherwise your children would not be pure, but now they are holy. And if the unbeliever is separated, then let him be separated; for after all, brother and sister are not in bondage in this regard; but God called us to peace. In fact, how do you, a woman, know that you will save your husband, or how do you, a man, know that you will save your wife? Isn’t it just as the Lord has determined for everyone? Let everyone walk as the Lord has called him: this is how I teach in all churches. Is anyone called to the circumcision? let such a one not require foreskin! Is anyone called with this? Let this one not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is important. Let everyone remain in the rank in which he is called. Whether you are called a slave, let this not be a matter of concern for you; but if you can become free, then prefer to take advantage of it. For whoever is called a servant in the Lord is free before the Lord; in the same way, the one who is called free is the servant of Christ. You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men. Every brother [or brethren] remain before God in the state in which you are called. But I have no commandment from the Lord regarding virgins; but I give advice as one who obeys His mercy, to be faithful. Therefore, I believe it is good that, due to real need, it is good for a person to remain like this. But if you have become attached to a woman, then do not seek divorce; and if you have renounced a woman, then don’t look for her anymore. If you took a wife, you have not sinned; and if a girl marries, she does not sin; but people of this kind will have torment in the flesh. I show you mercy. Therefore, brethren, I say this to you: the time is short; what remains is that those who have wives should be as if they had not, and those who weep should be as if they were not weeping, and those who rejoice as if they were not rejoicing, and those who use the present world as if they were not using them; for the image of this world passes away; and I want you to be without worries. He who does not have a wife cares about... how to please God; and whoever has a wife cares about worldly things, how to please his wife; and [behold] he was divided 25. It is not the married woman or maiden who thinks about the Lord, namely, being holy in body and spirit, but the married woman thinks about worldly things, how to please her husband. Then I say this for your benefit, not to throw fetters on you, but for what is honest and which will enable you to pray to the Lord without hindrance. If anyone sees a shame for his girl in the fact that she is overripe and should remain so, let him do as he wants; she does not sin if she marries. But whoever is firm in his heart and has no need, but has the strength to fulfill his desire and has decided in his heart to keep his virgin, he does well. Consequently, the one who binds his virgin in marriage does well, and the one who does not bind her does better. A woman, while her husband is alive, is bound to him by law; but if her husband honors her, then she is free; let her marry whomever she wants, only in the name of the Lord. It will be better if she stays like this on my advice; and yet I believe that I also have the Spirit of God [v. 1–40]. [Ch. VIII:] And we all know about what is sacrificed to idols, because we have knowledge. But knowledge makes one arrogant; but love edifies. But if anyone thinks that he knows something, he has not yet found out, as he should know. And if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. And about food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol in the world is nothing... But not everyone has the knowledge. And some to this day, with the recognition of idols, eat things sacrificed to idols, and their conscience, if not strong, is defiled. Food does not bring us closer to God: for if we do not eat, we will not suffer loss, and if we eat, we will not have abundance; but be careful that this freedom of yours does not become a temptation for the weak. For if someone who has knowledge sees that someone who has knowledge is reclining in a church to idols, will not his conscience, since it is weak, instruct him to eat something sacrificed to idols? And because of your knowledge the weak brother for whom Christ died will perish. And by sinning in this way towards your brothers and striking their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, then I will not eat meat forever, lest I cause my brother to stumble [v. 1–4; 7–13]. [Ch. IX:] Do we not have power to eat and drink? Do we not have the authority to lead a sister or a wife, like the other Apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it just me and Barnabas who don't have the power to do this? Who ever fights with their own means? Who plants grapes and does not eat of its fruit? Who feeds the flock and does not partake of the milk of the flock? Am I saying this based on human reasoning? Doesn’t the Law also say this? After all, it is written in the Law of Moses: Do not stop the mouth of an ox that is threshing [Deut. XXV, 4]. Does God care about oxen? Isn't this being said beyond doubt for us? Of course, this is written for our sake; Therefore, he who plows must plow in hope, and he who threshes must plow in the hope of receiving fruit. If we have sown spiritual things for you, how much will it be if we reap bodily things for you? If others are partakers of your excess, 26 are we not more? But we did not take advantage of this opportunity, but endured everything in order not to somehow hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who work in the sanctuary eat from the sanctuary, and those who serve at the altar receive a portion from the altar? And the Lord thus commanded those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel [Matt. X, 10; OK. X. 7, 8]. But I didn't use any of this. And I didn’t write this so that this would happen to me. For it is better for me to die than for anyone to steal my glory. After all, if I preach the gospel, then I have no glory, because this is necessary for me; woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I do this willingly, then I have a reward, but if I do it reluctantly, then I am entrusted with the order (arrangement). So what is my reward? It is that, while preaching the Gospel, I offer the gospel of Christ without payment (sine sumptu), so that I do not abuse my power in the gospel. In fact, since I was free from everything, I made myself the servant of all, in order to acquire as many plurals as possible. And to the Jews I became a Jew, in order to win the Jews, to those who were under the law; I was, as it were, under the law, although in reality I was not under the law, but under grace, in order to win those who were under the law. To the weak I was made weak, that I might gain the weak. I was everything to everyone in order to win everyone. I do everything for the gospel, in order to become a participant in it. Don’t you know that those running in the lists, although everyone runs, only one gets the reward? Run to get it. Anyone who strains himself in the struggle abstains from everything; but those are in order to receive a perishable crown, and we are in order to receive an incorruptible one. So, I strive for what is not, as it were, the unknown; I do not fight like one who beats the air, but I wear out my body and bring it into slavery, so that, while preaching to others, I myself may somehow become condemned [v. 1–27]. [Ch. X:] Brothers! I do not want to leave you ignorant of the fact that all our fathers were under the cloud... But not many of them showed the favor of God, for they were cast down in the wilderness. This became a way for us, so that we would not be lustful for evil, as they were lustful; and they did not become idolaters, as some of them did, as it is written: The people sat down to eat and drink, and went up to the games [Exod. XXXII, 6]. And let us not commit fornication, as some of them committed fornication, and twenty-three thousand of them fell in one day [Num. XXV, 1. 9]. And let us not tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and were killed by serpents [Num. XXI, 6]. And do not murmur, as some of them murmured and were killed by the destroyer [Num. XIV, 37]. But all this was with them in the sense of images, and was written for the correction of us, in whose person [they] lived until the end. So, let him who considers himself worthy be careful not to fall. Only human temptation has befallen you. But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted more than you are able; but along with the temptation he will also provide weakening [of it], so that you can endure it. Therefore, my beloved, avoid idolatry... But what the pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; but I do not want you to be in fellowship with demons: you cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; You cannot be participants in the Lord's table and the demonic table. Are we really going to stir up jealousy in the Lord? Are we stronger than Him? Everything is allowed to me, but not everything is useful; Everything is allowed to me, but not everything is edifying. Let no one seek his own, but [for] another. Eat everything that appears at the meat market without asking anything in conscience... But if someone says: “This was sacrificed to idols,” then you do not eat for the sake of the one who showed it and for the sake of conscience; but I don’t mean your conscience, but someone else’s. Indeed, why should my conscience be judged by someone else’s conscience? If I take [food] with thanksgiving, then why slander me for giving thanksgiving? So, whether you eat, whether you drink, or do anything else, do it all to the glory of God. Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Gentiles, and to the Church of God, just as I please everyone in everything, not seeking what is profitable for me, but for many, that they may be saved [v. 1–14; 20–33]. [Ch. XI:] Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ... Every person who prays or preaches with his head covered dishonors his head; and every woman who prays or preaches with her head uncovered dishonors her head... I command this not to praise the fact that you are planning not for the best, but for the worst. First of all, I hear that when you go to church, you have divisions, and I partly believe it; After all, there must be divisions so that those who are skillful may be revealed among you. So, when you gather together, it is not to eat the Lord's supper. Indeed, each of you strives to taste his supper before [the others], while another is hungry, and another gets drunk. Have you no houses for eating and drinking? Or do you despise the Church of God and oppress those who do not have? What should I tell you? Praise you? For this I do not praise... So everyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be accountable before the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man test himself and thus eat of the bread and drink of the cup. But whoever eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks condemnation for himself, since he does not consider the body of the Lord. Therefore, many of you are sick and weak, and many are falling asleep. Therefore, if we judged ourselves, we would not be condemned; but since we are judged by the Lord, we are subject to correction, so as not to be condemned along with this world. So, my brothers, when you gather together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so as not to be condemned. And I will distribute the rest when I arrive [v. 1; 4–5; 17–22; 27–34]. [Ch. XII:] But the Lord proportioned the body, giving the greater part to that which lacked, so that there would be no division in the body, but so that all members would equally care for each other. And if one suffers in anything, then all members have compassion for him; but one is glorified, all members rejoice with him; and you are the body of Christ and members from member. And God has appointed some in the Church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then powers, then grace, for healings, for administrations, for helping, kinds of languages, and interpreters of sayings. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Does everyone have the grace of healing? Does everyone speak in tongues? Are all interpreters? Zealously seek the best gifts, and I will show you an even higher way [v. 24–31]. [Ch. XIII:] If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, then I have become like ringing brass and a clanking cymbal. And if I have prophecy, and know all mysteries, and [have] all knowledge; and if I have all my faith, so much so that I can move mountains, but I will not have love; then I am nothing. And if I use all my means to feed the poor, and if I give up my body to burn it, and do not have love, then it is of no use to me. Love is patient, merciful; love is not envious, does not seek in vain, it is not arrogant, not ambitious, does not seek its own, is not irritated, does not think evil, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. She endures everything, believes everything, hopes for everything, supports everything. Love never fails... Now the following three remain: faith, hope and love, but love is greater than [all] of them [v. 1–8; 13]. [Ch. XIV:] Let us follow love... Since you earnestly seek spiritual gifts, seek them so that you may have an abundance for the edification of the Church... Brothers, do not be children in mind; but be children in the manifestation of malice; but be perfect in mind... So, brethren, what then? When you gather together, and each of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a revelation, has a [strange] tongue, has an interpretation, then let everything be for edification... Let the women in the assemblies be silent, for they are not allowed to speak, but to be in subjection, like the Law [Gen. III; 16] says. If they want to learn something, then let them ask their husbands at home. After all, it is indecent for a woman to speak in Church. Has the word of God come from you? or was it for you alone? [Art. 1; 12; 20; 26; 34–36]. [Ch. XV:] Do not flatter yourself; empty interviews spoil good morals. Stay awake, you righteous ones, and do not sin. After all, some have no knowledge of God. I say this to put you to shame... Therefore, my beloved brethren, be strong and immovable, always enriched by the work of God, knowing that your labor is not in vain before God [v. 33, 34; 58]. [Ch. XVI:] And regarding the assemblies that are held among the saints, as I commanded in the churches of Galatia, so do you. Let each of you put aside every first [day] of Saturday (unam sabbati), saving as much as he pleases, so as not to make collections when I come. And when I arrive, I will send a message to carry your alms (gratiam) to Jerusalem through those whom you approve. If it becomes necessary (dignum) for me to go, then they will go with me. And I will come to you when I go around Macedonia; for I will pass through Macedonia; and maybe I’ll stay with you and even spend the winter, so you can take me to where I’m going. After all, I don’t want to see you only in passing, but I hope, if God helps, to stay with you for a while. And I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost. After all, a great and wide door is open for me, and there are many opponents. If Timothy comes to you, then take care that he is not afraid in your presence... Stay awake, stand in the faith, act courageously, be strong. Let everything happen in your love [v. 1–10; 13]. From Epistle II Blessed. Paul to the Corinthians [Ch. I:] For our praise is in the testimony of our conscience, that we walked in the world in simplicity and sincerity towards God, and not in carnal wisdom, but in the grace of God [v. 12]. [Ch. II:] But whoever grieved me, grieved not [me alone], but also you in part, so as not to reproach too much. For this kind of person, the reproach that [he met] from many is enough; so, on the contrary, release (donetis) [to him] and comfort him, so that such a person will not be exhausted by more sorrow [than he should]. Therefore, I conjure you to show him love. After all, I wrote this in order to test you whether you are obedient in everything. If you let go (donastis) to someone, then I [let go] too. For if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it on behalf of Christ, so that we would not be deceived by Satan, since we are not unaware of his thoughts [v. 5–11]. [Ch. IV:] So, having such a dispensation by which we have inherited mercy, we do not lose heart; but we renounce the secret works of defilement, so that we do not walk in craftiness and do violence to the word of God, but in the manifestation of the truth we present ourselves before the presence of God according to every human conscience... For we proclaim not ourselves, but our Lord Jesus Christ, but ourselves as your servants in the name of Jesus... But we carry this treasure in fragile vessels, so that the height of Divine power may be revealed, and not [power] from us. In everything we suffer, but are not straitened; we suffer need, but do not fall; we suffer persecution, but are not abandoned; we are rejected, but we do not perish; We carry the death of Jesus everywhere in our body, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies, for we, the living, are continually given over to death for Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal body (flesh). So death happens in us, and life happens in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, therefore I spoke [Ps. CXV, 1], and we believe, that’s why we say... Therefore we do not become poor; but although our outer man is decaying, our inner man is renewed day by day; because what in our present life is instantaneous and easy in our test, with great abundance produces in us a guarantee of eternal glory, since we look not at the visible, but at the invisible. For what is visible is temporary, but what is invisible is eternal [v. 1.2; 5; 7–13; 16–18]. [Ch. VI:] We, as helpers, convince [you] that you do not receive the grace of God in vain, for He says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you [Isa. XLIX, 8]. Now is the time acceptable, now is the day of salvation. Without giving any obstacle to anyone, so that our service is not despised; but in all things presenting ourselves as servants of God in much patience, in tribulations, in need, in oppression, under stripes, in prisons, in exile, in labors, in watching, in fastings, in integrity, in knowledge, in generosity, in meekness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapon of righteousness in the right and left hand, in honor and reproach, in dishonor and good glory, we seem to be deceivers, but we are faithful, as if we were not known, but we are known, as if we were dying, but here we live, as if sad, but we always rejoice, as if we were poor, but we enrich many, as if we had nothing, but possessed everything... And you spread. Do not bear the yoke with the infidels. Indeed, what fellowship does righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what is the participation of light in darkness? And what is the agreement of Christ with Belial? or what part does the faithful have with the infidel? What agreement does the church of God have with idols? For you are the church of the living God, as the Lord says: For I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be a people to Me [Lev. XXVI, 12]. Therefore, come out from among them, and separate yourself, and do not touch the unclean, and I will receive you, and I will be a father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty [v. 1–10; 13–18; Is. LII, 11; Jer. III, 19; Os, I, 11]. [Ch. VII:] So, beloved, having such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, practicing holiness in the fear of God... Why, although I saddened you in the message, I do not repent, and although I regretted [this], seeing that that message saddened you for a time; however, now I rejoice, not because you were saddened, but because you were saddened to repentance. For you were grieved for God, so that you suffered no loss from us. In fact, sorrow for God produces firm repentance for salvation, but sorrow for this world produces death. And the fact that you were saddened for the sake of God, what great care produces in you! [Art. 1; 8–11]. [Ch. VIII:] But we, brethren, inform you of the grace of God given in the Churches of Macedonia; because in the great trial of tribulation their joy abounds, and their greatest poverty abounds in the riches of their simplicity, [I testify of them:] they were willing according to their strength and even beyond their strength, since they begged us with great persuasiveness to accept the gift, and to participate in the ministry for the saints; and not only in the way we expected, but of our own accord, first to the Lord, and then to us according to the will of God; so we asked Titus to both begin and finish this work of love among you. And just as you have abundance in everything: in faith, in word, in inquiry and all care, and moreover in your love for us, so may you be abundant in this virtue; I say this not as a command, but with concern for others, to test your good disposition in your love for others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, because for our sake He became poor, although He was rich, so that through His lack you might be rich. That being said, I give advice; for it is useful for you that you have not only begun to do this, but have also discovered a desire for this since the past year; and now complete this with deed, so that both the spirit of will be ready [for deed] and for actually doing what you have. After all, if a desire is ready, then it is accepted because it has, and not because of what it does not have, for not so that there will be relief for others (remissio), but for you difficulty (tribulatio); but according to an equal distribution, let their abundance be the replenishment of your lack, so that there is equality, as it is written: He who [has] much has not had abundance, and he who has little has not suffered loss [Isa. XVI, 18]. But thanks be to God that He gave the same concern for you in the heart of Titus. True, he was persuaded [by me]; but, being thoughtful, he went to you of his own free will. But together with him we sent one brother, to whom may there be praise in the gospel throughout all the Churches; and not only this, but he was also appointed (ordinatus) by the Churches as a companion of our pilgrimage for that work of love that we perform for the glory of God and in accordance with our decisive desire, trying to avoid that anyone would blame us for such an abundance [of offerings] that we make, for we care about good not only before the Lord, but also before people [v. 1–21]. [Ch. IX:] It seems to me unnecessary to write to you about the service that is performed for the saints. For I know that your spirit is ready, which is why I boast about you before the Macedonians, since Achaia has been ready since the past year, and your jealousy has aroused many. But I sent the brothers for this purpose, so that what I boasted about in you would not turn out to be empty, [i.e. e.] so that, as I stated, you would be ready, so that when the Macedonians came with me and found you unprepared, then we (I do not say: you) would not have to be ashamed in this matter. Therefore, I considered it necessary to ask the brothers to come to you before us and prepare the matter so that the promised gift would be like a gift, and not like a matter of extortion. I say this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and whoever sows in blessing will also reap in blessing. Each one, as he has determined in his heart, [give] not with sadness and not as if out of necessity; but God loves a cheerful giver. But God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that you always have abundance in everything and abound in every good work, as it is written: He was generous, he gave to the poor, his righteousness remains forever [Ps. СХІ, 9]. And He who provides seed for the sower will also provide bread for food, and will multiply your seed and increase the increase of the fruits of your righteousness, so that, enriched in everything, you will abound in all the simplicity that thanksgiving to God produces through us; for the performance of this service not only replenishes what the saints lack, but also abounds in many thanksgivings to God through the approval of this service; they glorify God in obedience to your confession and for simplicity in communication with them and with everyone, and they pray for you according to their disposition towards you for the surpassing grace of God in you. I thank God for His unutterable grace [v. 1–15]. [Ch. X:] Let him who boasts boast in the Lord; for he is not worthy of approval who displays himself, but he whom God exalts [v. 17, 18]. [Ch. XI:] Are they servants of Christ? And me [too]! Speaking with a lesser mind, I am more: I have been in great labor, much more in prison, excessively in wounds, and many times in mortal danger; from the Jews I received five times forty without one blow. Three times I was beaten with sticks; I was stoned once; Three times I suffered shipwreck: I spent day and night in the depths of the sea; very often in travel, in danger on rivers, in danger from robbers, from foreigners, from pagans, in dangers in the city, in the desert, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers, in exhausting labor, in repeated wakefulness, in hunger and thirst, in many fasts, in cold and nakedness, and besides what is out of the ordinary circumstances, my constant daily life and worries about everyone Churches. No one is exhausted, and I am exhausted. No matter who is tempted, I am on fire. If I must boast, I will boast in that which is my weakness [v. 23–30]. [Ch. XII:] Therefore, I will gladly boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore, I rejoice in my weaknesses, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in oppressions of many for Christ's sake: when I am weak, then I am strong... Now for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I am not looking for yours, but for you. And children should not collect treasures for their parents, and parents for their children. I will very willingly spend and be spent for your souls, even if I were loved by you less, loving you more... But I am afraid that when I come to you, I will not find you as I do not want, and you will not find me as you do not want to find, so that somehow discord, envy, anger, quarrels, slander, denunciations, pomposity and indignation will not appear among you; lest, when I come again, God should humiliate me among you, and lest I should weep for many of those who have sinned, and repent of the uncleanness and shamelessness which they have done [v. 10, 14–15; 20–21]. [Ch. XIII:] But let us pray to God that you do not do anything evil, not so that we turn out to be what we should be, but so that you do what is right... In general, brethren, rejoice, be perfected, be comforted, be like-minded, have peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you [v. 7, 11]. From the message of Blessed Paul to Galatians [Ch. I:] If I still pleased people, I would not be a servant of Christ [v. 10]. [Ch. V:] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any effect, nor the foreskin, but faith working through love [v. 6]. And you, brethren, are called to freedom, only so that your freedom is not a reason [to excuse] the flesh; but you serve each other with love. After all, the whole law is fulfilled in one word: Love your neighbor as yourself [Lev. ХVIII, 18]; for if you bite each other and devour each other, then take care that you do not mutually destroy each other. But I say: walk in the Spirit, and you will not do the works of the flesh; For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Indeed, they mutually oppose each other so that you do not do what you want. Therefore, if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. But the works of the flesh are known; they are: adultery, uncleanness, lasciviousness, serving idols, sorcery, enmity, quarrels, jealousy, anger, strife, disagreement, divisions, envy, murder, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and the like. I warn you about these things, as I said before, that those who do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. And the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, generosity, kindness, goodwill, faith, modesty, self-control. There is no law against such [deeds], but those who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its vices and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, we will also walk spiritually; Let us not become greedy seekers of empty glory, annoying one another and envying one another [v. 6; 13–26]. [Ch. VI:] If a person is in the power of any crime, then you, spiritual ones, instruct him in the spirit of meekness, remembering yourself, so that you yourself do not fall into temptation. Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks that he is something while he is nothing, then he deceives himself. But let each try his own work, and thus have glory only in himself, and not in another; for each one will bear his own burden. Let everyone who is instructed in the word have fellowship in all good things with the one who instructs him. Make no mistake: God will not be mocked. After all, a person will reap what he sows, because whoever sows in his flesh will also reap corruption in the flesh; and whoever sows in the spirit will also reap eternal life in the spirit. But let us not weaken in doing good, for without weakening we will reap in due time. So, let us do good for everyone while we have time, and most of all for [our] loved ones in the faith [v. 1–10]. From the message of Blessed Paul to the Ephesians [Ch. IV:] Therefore, I beseech you, brethren, I, a prisoner in the Lord, that you walk worthily in the calling to which you are called, with all humility and meekness, and with patience bearing with one another in love, being careful to preserve the spirit in the bond of peace... Therefore I say this and call the Lord as a witness, so that you do not walk as the pagans do in the vanity of their minds, having understanding, shrouded in darkness, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them through the blindness of their hearts, who in despair gave themselves up to shamelessness to commit all uncleanness and insatiability [or: in insatiability]. But you were not so instructed in Christ; and if you have heard about Him and learned from Him, then this is the truth in Jesus. Put away your former life from the old man, who decays according to deceitful desires. But be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who according to God was created in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, putting aside lies, speak the truth, each one with his neighbor, for we are members of each other. Be angry, but do not sin. Let not the sun set on your anger. Don't give room to the devil; whoever stole, let him no longer steal, but rather let him work, doing with his own hands what is good, so that he can have it and give it to those who are in need. Let no evil word come out of your mouth, but only good for timely edification, to give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all grief and anger and indignation and abuse and slander be removed from you along with all malice; but be mutually supportive, merciful, giving [forgiveness] mutually to one another, as God in Christ gave to you [v. 1, 2; 17–23]. [Ch. VI:] Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a sacrifice and an offering to God as a sweet-smelling aroma. But adultery and all uncleanness or greed are not even called among you, as is fitting for saints; also shameful speech, or idle talk or ridicule, which is not relevant, but mainly giving thanks [to God]. But know this wisely, that every fornicator, or unclean, or greedy, or idolater has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for through them the wrath of God comes upon the sons of unbelief; do not become their participants. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as sons of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness of righteousness and truth), testing what is pleasing to God, and do not associate with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. After all, what is done by them is shameful even to name, but everything that is exposed appears through light, because everything that is obvious is light. That is why it is said: wake up, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will enlighten you. See therefore, brethren, how you walk cautiously, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, for the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of God is. And do not get drunk with wine, for in it there is fornication (luxuria = carnal intemperance, licentiousness). But be filled with the Spirit, speaking within yourself in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, chanting and singing in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God and the Father, mutually submitting in the fear of Christ. Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the Church; He is the Savior of you, her [or without: her]. But just as the Church is subject to Christ, so are wives to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, in order to sanctify her, cleansing her through the washing of water in the word, in order to present her to Himself as a glorious Church, not having filth, or spot, or anything like that; but that she be holy and immaculate. Likewise, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. No one has ever hated his flesh, but nourishes and warms it, just as Christ does the Church; therefore we are members of His body from His flesh and from His bones. Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and be attached to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. The sacrament (sacramentum) is great; I speak in Christ and in the Church; however, let each of you love his wife as himself; and let the wife fear her husband [v. 1–33]. [Ch. VII:] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, because this is the first commandment in the promise - [namely:] that it may prosper you, and that you may live long on the earth [Exod. XX, 12]. And you, fathers, do not irritate your children, but bring them up in instruction and correction. Servants! obey your carnal masters with fear and trembling in the simplicity of your heart, as Christ, serving not for show, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God in the spirit, as to the Lord, and not to people, knowing that everyone, no matter what good he does, will receive from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a free man. And you, gentlemen, do the same to them, abandoning threats, knowing that the Lord is both theirs and yours in heaven, and that He has no partiality. In general, brothers, be strong in the Lord in the might of His might. Put on the armor of God to resist the wiles of the devil, because our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world - this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly (spaces). Therefore take up the armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the day of evil and stand perfect in all things. Stand ye therefore, having girded your loins with the truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet in preparation of the gospel of peace, in all things, being armed in all things with the shield of faith, that with it you may repel all the fiery arrows of the evil one; take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray spiritually with every prayer and petition, being constantly vigilant in supplication for all the saints, also for me, so that the word may be given to me with firmness to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for the sake of which I fulfill my mission in chains, [these], so that in it I dare to speak as I should [v. 1–20]. From the message of Blessed Paul to the Philippians [Ch. I:] Because I am not put to shame in anything, but with all certainty, as always, so now Christ will be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death; for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if life in the flesh brings fruit to my work, then I do not know what to choose. Two [desires] oppress me. I want to leave life and be with Christ; this is much better; but remaining in the flesh is necessary for your sake... You have walked so worthily in the Gospel of Christ that whether I come and see you, or being at a distance from you, I will hear that you stand in one spirit, working in agreement in the Gospel faith and unafraid in no way from opponents, which for them is the cause of destruction, but for you is salvation; and this is from God, for it has been given to you through Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, performing the same feat that you saw in me, and now hear about me [v. 20–24; 27–30]. [Ch. II:] If there is any consolation in Christ, if there is any consolation in love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, if there is any depth of heart, then complete my joy by having the same love, being unanimous and of the same mind, [doing nothing] with discord, or out of vanity, but with humility looking at each other as superior to themselves, each thinking not only about his own, but about what belongs to others. Consider also what is also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God; but He humbled Himself, taking on an image, becoming like people, and in the way of life He turned out to be like a man; He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the point of death, even death on the cross. Therefore God also exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee bowed, of those in heaven and on earth and those in the grave, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so [now], not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. After all, God is the One who acts in us to both will and fulfill [the desire] voluntarily. But do everything without murmuring or hesitation, so that you may be children of God without contention and in simplicity, blameless among a corrupt and obstinate generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding the word of life to my glory in the day of Christ, because I did not walk in vain and did not labor in vain; but, although they temper me as a sacrifice and service to your faith, I rejoice and participate in your joy with all of you. Rejoice in the same thing and rejoice with me. But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be in a good disposition, knowing what is the matter with you. After all, I don’t have anyone so single-minded who would care about you with such sincere affection; after all, everyone seeks their own, and not what is Christ’s. And you know his experience, because he served with me for the Gospel, as a son does for a father. So, I hope that I will send it as soon as I find out what my situation is (quae circa me sunt). But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and comrade-in-arms, and your apostolum (apostolum) and minister (ministriim, Greek Biaxovov) for my needs, because he greatly desired [to see] you and was very grieved that you heard about his illness. After all, he was very seriously ill (usque ad mortem), but God had mercy on him, and not only on him, but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore, I will send him as soon as possible, so that you will rejoice in seeing him again, and I will be carefree. Receive him therefore with all joy in the Lord, and have this kind of [servants] in your honor, for he came near to death for the cause of Christ, giving his life to supply what you lacked, to my satisfaction [v. 1–30]. [Ch. III:] Brothers! I do not consider myself to have achieved, but only one thing: forgetting about the past and rushing towards the future, I strive for the appointed, for the reward in the field (braviam) of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Thus, the one who is perfect [among us] will think this way, and if you think something else, then God will reveal it to you. However, we will philosophize the same thing that we have achieved, and we will abide in the same rule of life. Brethren, be imitators of me and of those who walk like this, as it is to conform to the pattern that is given to us. After all, many, about whom I have often told you and now speak with tears, act as enemies of the cross of Christ; their end is destruction, and God is their belly, and their glory is in their shameful deeds; they think about earthly things; and our conversion is in heaven [v. 13–20]. [Ch. IV:] Always rejoice in the Lord and again I say: rejoice. Let your meekness be known to all people. For the Lord is near. Don't worry about anything; but let your requests be presented to God in all prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your souls in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is modest, whatever is just, whatever is holy, whatever is worthy of praise, whatever is worthy of praise, if there is any virtue, if there is any praise, then think about these things. Do what you have learned, what you have accepted, what you have heard, what you have seen from me; and may the God of peace be with you. I rejoiced a lot in the Lord that you again began to think about me as you thought; but you were preoccupied. I say this not as if out of great need: after all, I have learned to be content with what I have. I know how to be modest, I know how to be in abundance. I am instructed in everything and everywhere: to be filled, and to go hungry, and to have abundance. In everything and everywhere I am instructed: to be satisfied, and to go hungry, and to be in abundance, and to endure poverty; I can do all things through him who strengthens me. However, you did well by taking part in my grief. And you Philippians know that at the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, not a single church joined me to give or receive [alms] except you alone. You sent me once or twice to Thessalonica for my needs. This is not because I am asking for alms, but I am seeking abundant fruit for your benefit. But I have everything and am in abundance. I am enriched (repletus) after receiving from Epaphroditus what you sent me, [as it were] fragrant incense, an acceptable sacrifice, acceptable to God [v. 1–18]. From the First Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Thessalonians [Ch. II:] About our coming to you, brethren, you yourselves know that it was not in vain, but, having first suffered much and been subjected to reproach in Philippi - as you know - we had firm confidence to preach the gospel of God in our God with great care. Our teaching is not from error, not from impurity, not from wickedness; but just as we have been tested by God, so that we have been entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as if pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. For we never spoke flatteringly, as you know, and out of self-interest, God is my witness! We were not seekers of glory from men, neither from you nor from others; although we could be a burden to you, as messengers of Christ; but we were babies among you, like a nurse warming her children. Loving you so much, we wanted to convey to you not only the gospel of God, but also our souls, because you have become beloved to us. After all, you, brothers, remember our difficult feat - working day and night, so as not to be a burden to any of you, we preached the gospel of God among you. You and God are witnesses of how holy and righteous and without reproach we were among you who believed. You also know how we, like a father of his children, begging and persuading you, begged you to live worthy of God, who called you to His kingdom and glory. Therefore, we thank God unceasingly because, when you received the word of God you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but as truly the word of God, who works in you who believe. For you, brethren, have become imitators in Christ Jesus of the churches of God that are in Judea, because you also suffered the same things from your fellow tribesmen, as he also suffered from the Jews [v. 1–15]. [Ch. IV:] Finally, brethren, we ask and beseech you in the name of the Lord Jesus, that you may walk and prosper even more, just as you have received teaching from us how to walk and please God. For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus; For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication. Let each of you know how to keep his vessel in holiness and honor, and not in the passion of lust, like the pagans who do not know God, and let each one not overcome or deceive his brother in the matter, for God is the avenger (vindex) of all this, as we have previously spoken and testified to you; for God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness. Thus, whoever despises this does not despise man, but God, who even gave you the Holy Spirit. And we have no need to write to you about brotherly love; for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. Although you do this to all the brothers throughout Macedonia, we ask you to prosper even more and try to live in peace; that you do your work and work with your hands, as we taught you; so that you deal fairly with those who are outside [the Church] and do not want anything from anyone. We, brothers, do not want you to be in the dark about the dead, so that you do not grieve, like others who have no hope [v. 1–13]. [Ch. V:] So, let us not sleep like others, but let us stay awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk are drunk at night; and we, who are of the day, will stay awake, having put on the shield of faith and love and the helmet of hope for salvation, for the Lord has not destined us for wrath, but for the acquisition of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may live with him, whether we are awake or sleeping; Therefore, comfort yourselves mutually and edify yourself, as you are doing. But we ask you, brethren, that you know those who work among you, and take precedence over you in the Lord, and instruct you so that you have special love for them for their work; have peace with them. We also ask you, brothers, correct the restless, comfort the faint-hearted, accept the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays anyone for evil; but always mutually strive for good, one for the other and for everyone. Always rejoice, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all. Do not quench the Spirit; do not treat prophecy with contempt; but try everything; keep up the good work. Abstain from all kinds of evil [6–22]. From the Second Epistle of Blessed. Paul to the Thessalonians [Ch. I.] We must always thank God for you, brothers, how worthy it is, because your faith increases and mutual love increases in each of you; so that we ourselves are glorified by you in the Churches of God, in view of your patience and faith in all your persecutions and sufferings, which you endure in confirmation of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you suffer. But if it is right before God to repay the afflictions of those people who oppress, then He will also give you, who suffer along with us, rest on the day the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with His mighty angels in a flame of fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will suffer eternal punishment in destruction from the presence of God, from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints and to be wonderful in all those who believed, because faith was revealed in our testimony regarding that day. For this reason we always pray for you, that God may make you worthy of His calling and fulfill every good will and work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, through the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ [v. 3–12]. [Ch. III:] But we proclaim to you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who walks dishonorably and not according to the tradition which they received from us. After all, you yourself know how you should imitate us; for we were not restless among you and did not eat anyone’s bread for nothing, in tedious labor, working day and night so as not to burden any of you, and not because we seemed to have no power, but to give ourselves as an example for us to follow. Indeed, even then, when we were with you, we proclaimed to you that whoever does not want to work is empty and does not eat, for we heard that some walk among you disorderly, doing nothing, but are engaged in empty deeds (curiose agentes - Greek περιεργαζομένους). And to those who are such, we proclaim and implore [them] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that while they labor in silence they may eat their bread; and you, brothers, do not give up in doing good. Therefore, if anyone does not obey our word through the letter, mark him and do not enter into communication with him in order to shame him, but do not consider him an enemy, but correct him as a brother [v. 6–15]. From the message of Blessed Paul to the Colossians [Ch. III:] Therefore, if you have risen with Christ, then look for that place where Christ sits at the right hand of God; Set your mind on things above, and not on earthly things. For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ appears as your life, then you will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, mortify your members that are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, evil lust, passion, greed, which is idolatry. Because of them the wrath of God comes upon the sons of unbelief. You once lived in these [vices] when you lived among them. And now put everything aside: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, so as not to let a shameful word out of your mouth. Tell no lies to one another, putting off the old self with its deeds and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge of God, according to the image of Him who created you; here there is neither pagan nor Jew, nor circumcision, nor foreskin, nor barbarian, nor Scythian, neither slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all; So, as God's chosen ones, saints and beloved, clothe yourself with the depth of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, supporting each other and forgiving yourself when someone has enmity against someone. Just as the Lord forgave you, so do you. But above all, have love, which is the union of perfection, and let the peace of Christ leap in your hearts, in which you were called in one body, and be friendly. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; with all wisdom edify and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing to God with grace in your hearts. Whatever you do in word or deed, do it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God and the Father. Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord; husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children to indignation, lest they become faint-hearted. Slaves, obey your carnal masters, serving not for show, as people-pleasers, but in simplicity of heart, as God-fearers; and whatever you do, do it from the heart, as if for the Lord and not for people, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of an inheritance. Serve Christ the Lord: after all, whoever does offense will receive according to his unrighteousness, and with God there is no respect of persons [v. 1–25]. [Ch. IV:] Give the Lord to the slaves what is due and just, knowing that you also have a Lord in heaven. Be constant in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving; at the same time, pray also for us, that God may reveal to us the source [portam] of the word for preaching the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may also proclaim [it] in this way. Live in wisdom concerning those outside [the Church], testing the times. Your speech [should] always be spiced with grace, so that you know how you should answer everyone [v. 4–6]. From the Epistle of I Blessed. Paul to Timothy [Ch. I:] The end of the exhortation is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and unfeigned faith. And some, having departed from this, turned to idle talk, wanting to be teachers of the law, not understanding either what they say or what they affirm. But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law does not lie with the righteous, but only with the unrighteous and disobedient, with the wicked and sinners, criminals and defiled, with parricides and matricides, with murderers, fornicators, sodomites, with quarrelsome men, with liars and perjurers, and also with [that] which is contrary to sound doctrine, which is in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which entrusted to me [Art. 5–11]. [Ch. II:] So, first of all, I beg you to make prayers of supplication, thanksgiving, petition for all people, for kings and for everyone who is in high position, so that we may lead a quiet and safe life in all godliness and purity... So, I want you, husbands, to pray in every place, raising up pure hands without anger and doubt. Likewise, women in decent dress did not adorn themselves with modesty and severity, not in elaborate braiding of hair, or in gold, or in pearls, or in precious clothing; but, as befits women, showing piety through good deeds. Let the wife learn in silence with all submission. But I do not allow women to be taught, nor to dominate a man, but to remain silent [v. 1–2; 8–12]. [Ch. III:] So, a bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, decent, modest, hospitable and a teacher; not devoted to drinking wine, not pugnacious, but modest, not prone to litigation, not greedy, but managing their household well, keeping their sons in subjection with all purity. After all, if anyone does not know how to rule over his own house, how will he be diligent about the Church of God? [He must not be] a convert, lest he become proud and fall into the condemnation of the devil; but he must have a good opinion from those outside [the Church], so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. In the same way, deacons should be modest, not bilingual, not given to drinking a lot of wine, not striving for dishonest profit, having the sacrament of faith in a clear conscience. But first of all, let them also be tested, and serve in this way, without having any crime [behind them]. In the same way, let their wives be modest, not deceivers, sober and faithful in everything. Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their household well; because those who serve well will obtain for themselves the highest degree and great boldness in the faith that is in Jesus Christ. [Ch. IV;] But the Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, listening to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, hypocritically speaking lies, and having a seared conscience, forbidding marriage and abstaining from food, which God created to be received by the faithful with thanksgiving and by those who have known the truth. For every creation of God is good and nothing should be rejected, but received with thanksgiving. After all, it is dedicated to the word of God and prayer. By offering such teaching to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, trained in the words of faith and the good teaching which you have followed. Turn away from inconvenient and old woman's tales. Practice piety; after all, bodily exercise is of little use, but piety is beneficial for everything, since it is connected with the promise of life, both present and future. [This] word is true and worthy of all acceptance, for we labor in it and are subject to slander, so we hope in the living God, Who is the Savior of all people, especially the faithful. - Accept this and learn. Let no one treat your young age with contempt, but be an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in faith, in integrity. While I come, do some reading and teaching. Do not despise the grace that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbyterii. Think about this; Abide in this so that your success will be obvious to everyone. Delve into yourself and into the teaching; be persistent in it; because by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you [v. 1–16]. [Ch. V:] Do not reproach the elder, but exhort him like a father; young men as brothers, old women as mothers, young women as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows who are truly widows. If a widow has sons or grandchildren, then first of all let them learn to build their home and mutually pay tribute to their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. But the true and lonely widow hopes in God and constantly remains in prayers and supplications day and night; and the one who spends her time in amusements died while still alive. It is you who instill in them that they should be blameless, and whoever does not take care of his own, and especially his family, has rejected the faith and is worse than an infidel. Let a widow be chosen who is no less than sixty years old, who has been the wife of one husband, who has been known for good deeds, who has raised children, who has received strangers, who has washed the feet of saints, who has served those in need, and who is zealous for every good work. Avoid younger widows, for they, falling into excesses in opposition to Christ, want to marry; they are subject to condemnation, because they rejected their former faith. At the same time, they learn to walk around houses in idleness; They are not only idle, but also talkative, saying what they should not [say]. As for the younger ones, I wish that they would marry, bear children, and be mistresses of houses, so as not to give the enemy any occasion for slander, for some have already turned back to the footsteps of Satan. If any faithful has widows, then let him support them, so that the Church is not burdened, so that there will be enough for those who are truly widows. Let well-presiding elders receive double honor. For the Scripture says: Do not put a bridle on an ox that is threshing, and: The worker is worthy of his reward. Accept accusations against an elder only in the presence of two or three witnesses. Reprove those who sin before everyone, so that others also may have fear. I testify before God and Jesus Christ and the chosen angels that you observe this without prejudice, without doing anything out of inclination to any side. Do not lay your hands on anyone hastily and do not take part in the sins of others. In addition, do not drink only water, but drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent infirmities. Some sins are obvious and lead to judgment, while some are hidden. Likewise, good deeds are evident; and those which are not so cannot be hidden [v. 1–25]. [Ch. VI:] Slaves under the yoke should consider their masters worthy of all honor, so that there is no criticism of the name of God and the teaching. And those who have believers as masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but let them serve them even more, because they are faithful and beloved participants in good deeds. Teach and exhort this. Whoever teaches otherwise and is not affirmed in the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and in what pertains to the piety of teaching is proud, knows nothing, but loves mutual questioning and contention, from which arise envy and discord, slander, evil suspicions, clashes between people with a corrupt mind and devoid of the truth, who think that piety is beneficial for profit. But the greatest gain is to be pious and content. After all, we brought nothing into this world; There is no doubt that we cannot bear anything. Therefore, we will be content if we have food and what we can cover ourselves with. Because those who want to be rich fall into temptation and into the snares of the devil, and have many useless and even harmful desires that plunge a person into the calamities of destruction. After all, the root of all troubles is greed, by submitting to which many have deviated from the faith and subjected themselves to many sorrows. And you, man of God, avoid this, but strive for piety, faith, love, patience, meekness, fight the good fight of faith, hold on to eternal life, to which you were called and made a good confession before many witnesses. I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and Jesus Christ, who testified to the good confession under Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment blameless and blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ... Command the rich of this age that they think arrogantly and do not trust in the fickleness of wealth, but in God, who provides us with everything in abundance for our use, so that they act well, be rich in good deeds, give without difficulty, be sociable, and lay up for themselves good treasure as a foundation for the future, in order to receive true life. O Timothy, keep the pledge, avoiding the worthless innovation of words and disputes of knowledge, which has a false name [knowledge]; some, promising this [knowledge], fell away from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen [v. 1–14; 17–21]. From the second message of Blessed. Paul to Timothy [Ch. I:] For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control, therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor of me His prisoner, but according to the power of God be compassionate with the gospel... Have the pattern of sound words [teachings] which you have heard from me in faith and love in Christ Jesus. Keep a good deposit through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us [v. 7, 8; 13, 14]. [Ch. II:] And you, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ; and what you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, pass on to faithful people who will be able to teach others. Work like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Let no one who fights before God bind himself to worldly affairs, so as to be pleasing to the one who appointed him. Indeed, even the one who competes in the lists receives the crown only when he competes legally. The laboring farmer must be the first to taste the fruit. Understand what I say, for God has given you understanding in everything. Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead - [He] is from the seed of David - as I preached the gospel, for which I suffer even to the point of being imprisoned as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they too may inherit the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with the glory of heaven. The word is true: after all, if we died together, then we will live together; if we suffer together, we will reign together; and if we deny [Him], then He will also deny us. If we do not believe, then He will not be faithful: He cannot deny Himself. Convince [people] of this by testifying before God. Do not start verbal disputes, which is not at all useful, but only [leads] to the frustration of those listening. But carefully try to present yourself to God as worthy of praise, an impeccable worker, correctly dividing the word of God in truth; Avoid the wicked and idle talk: it has contributed greatly to wickedness, and their word spreads like a cancer... The Lord knows those who are His, and let all who call on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness. In the great house there are vessels not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, and some [are used] for honorable things, and some for dishonorable things. Thus, if anyone cleanses himself of this, he will be a vessel consecrated in honor and needed by the Lord, ready for every good deed. And avoid youthful wishes; but strive for truth, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Avoid unreasonable and disorderly disputes, knowing that they produce discord. The servant of the Lord must not compete, but be meek with all, teaching, patient, teaching with meekness those who resist, so that God may somehow give them repentance to learn the truth and so that they escape from the snares of the devil, from whom they are held captive according to his will [v. 1–17; 19–25]. [Ch. III:] But know this, that in the last times dangerous days will come, and people will be selfish, greedy, proud, arrogant, slanderous, disobedient to parents, ignoble, criminal, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, intemperate, without meekness, unkind, traitors, insolent, pompous, more voluptuous than lovers of God, indeed, having a form of piety, but rejecting its power, but you should avoid them. Indeed, among them there are those who penetrate into houses and carry away with them women burdened with sins, who are carried away by various lusts, they always study, but never achieve the knowledge of the truth... But you followed my teaching, instruction, disposition, faith, generosity of love, patience, persecution, suffering that befell me in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra; I endured these persecutions and the Lord saved me from them. And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil and deceiving people will prosper in evil, being mistaken and leading into error. And you remain firm in what you have learned and what has been entrusted to you. Moreover, since childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which can guide you to salvation in Jesus Christ. Every scripture by inspiration is useful for teaching, for reproof, for direction, for training in righteousness, so that a person may be perfect, equipped in every good work [v. 1–7; 10–17]. [Ch. IV;] I testify before God and Jesus Christ, who will come to judge the living and the dead, and by His coming and His kingdom, preach the word, insist in timely and untimely, reprove, entreat, rebuke with all long-suffering and teaching, for the day will come when they will not maintain sound doctrine, but according to their own desires they will accumulate for themselves teachers with itching ears [itching in yshi=prurientes avribus]; but they will turn away their ears from the truth and turn to fables. But you stay awake, work in everything, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. And I am already weakening and the time for my release [from the body] is coming. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race [on the race of life], I have kept the faith, and in the end there is laid up for me a crown for righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have observed His coming [v. 1–8]. From the messages of Blessed. Paul to Titus [Ch. I:] I left you in Crete so that you could correct what was missing and install elders in the cities, as I distributed to you. If anyone is without blemish, the husband of one wife, having believing children, not accused of intemperance, but obedient. Indeed, a bishop must be without blemish, as God’s steward, not proud, not angry, not devoted to drinking wine, not pugnacious, not greedy for dishonorable gain; but [he must be] hospitable, kind, sober, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the word that is faithful to the doctrine, in order to be able to convince of sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict... Therefore strictly forbid them that they should be sound in the faith, not listening to the fables of the Jews, the commandments of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure; but for the defiled and unbelieving there is nothing pure; but their mind and conscience are both polluted. They profess that they know God, but in their works they deny [Him], because they are vile and unfaithful and unfit for any good work [v. 5–9; 13–16]. [Ch. II:] You preach what is proper to sound doctrine. Let the elders be sober, chaste, sound in faith, in patience, in love. And the old women, in the same way, should be in holy clothing, not be slanderers, not indulge in drinking wine in excess, teach goodness, teach modesty to the young, so that they love their husbands, love their children, be modest, blameless, caring for the home, well-disposed, submissive to their husbands, so that the word would not [through them] be the subject of blasphemy. Also persuade young men to be chaste. In everything, show yourself as an example of good deeds in doctrine, in integrity [of faith] and in sedateness. [Have] a sound word, impeccable, so that whoever is an opponent will be respectful, not having anything bad to say about us. Let slaves be respectful to their masters, pleasing them in everything, not contradicting, not deceiving, but in everything showing good faith, so that they adorn the teaching of our Savior God in everything. For the grace of the Savior has appeared to all God's people, teaching us that in this age we should live chastely, righteously and godly, renouncing ungodliness and worldly desires, awaiting the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness and to purify for Himself a people acceptable (acceptabilem) zealous in good deeds. So speak and convince and reprove with all authority. Let him not despise you [v. 1–15]. [Ch. III:] Exhort them to be in obedience to those in authority and in authority, to obey what is said and to be ready to do every good deed, not to slander anyone, not to be prone to litigation, but to be modest, showing meekness in every way towards all people... The word is true, and I want you to affirm that people who believe in God should be committed to good deeds. This is good and useful for people. And avoid stupid disputes, teachings about genealogy, and strife, and competitions about the law: they are useless and vain. Avoid a heretic after the first and second correction, knowing that a person of this kind is corrupt and sins, condemned by his own court. From the message of Blessed Paul to Philemon I had great joy and consolation in your love, because through you, brother, the hearts of the saints were calmed... I wanted to keep him with me, so that instead of you he would serve me in prison for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without consulting you, so that a good deed would not seem to be [a deed] of necessity, but a voluntary deed [v. 7; 13, 14]. [Ch. III:] So, see, brethren, that in any of you there does not somehow appear an evil heart in unbelief, in apostasy from the living God, but every day instruct one another mutually, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you becomes hardened by the deception of sin. After all, we have become partakers of [Jesus] Christ, if only the beginning of His life is firmly held to the end, while it is said: “Now, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the time of rebellion [v. 12–15]. [Ch. IV:] Therefore, let us be afraid that, while there is still time to enter His rest, one of you might think that He is no longer there. For although it was preached to us, as well as to them, the word they heard did not benefit them, not being united with faith, from what they heard... Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession... Let us therefore approach with confidence the throne of grace, so that we may attain to mercy and find grace in timely help [v. 1–2; 14, 16]. [Ch. VI:] After all, God is not unjust to forget about your work and the love that you showed in His name - you who served and are serving the saints. But we desire that each of you should show the same care to improve in hope to the end, so that you will not become sluggish, but will be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises... For people swear by those greater than themselves, and an oath is the end for the confirmation of every contradiction [v. 10–12; 16]. [Ch. X:] Let us hold fast to the steadfast confession of our hope (for he who made the promise is faithful); and let us be attentive to one another in calling for mutual love and good deeds, without leaving our meeting, as is customary for some, and especially since you see the day approaching. After all, when we sin according to our own will, after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no sacrifice left for sins, for a certain expectation of judgment and the burning (aemulatio) of fire, which is meant to destroy sinners, is terrifying. After all, [if] one who rejects the law of Moses, in the presence of two or three witnesses, is mercilessly exposed to death, then how much worse, in your opinion, does he deserve punishment who tramples on the Son of God, and considers the blood of the Covenant profaned, although he is sanctified by it, and dishonors the Spirit of grace. For we know Him who said: Vengeance is mine, and I will repay, and then: For the Lord will judge His people. It is scary to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days when you, having been enlightened, endured the great feat of suffering, sometimes being [yourself] a spectacle of reproach and suffering, and sometimes being accomplices of others who suffered in a similar way. After all, you had compassion for those in chains, and joyfully accepted the theft of your property, knowing that you had a better and unperishable property. So, do not give up your confidence, which has great reward, for you need patience so that, by doing the will of God, you will receive the promise. After all, a little, a little more [later] the one who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous man lives by faith [Hab. II, 4]: And if anyone withdraws, he will not please My soul [v. 23–38]. [Ch. XII] Therefore we also, having this form of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every burden and the sin that surrounds us, with patience let us hasten to the battle that lies before us, looking to the author and end of our faith - Jesus, who endured the cross, although joy was offered to Him, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God. Think about the One who endured such opposition to Himself from sinners, so that, weakening in spirit, you will not faint. After all, you have not yet fought to the point of bleeding in the struggle against sin, and have not forgotten the consolation that He speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not neglect the instruction from the Lord, do not weaken when you are exposed to reproof from Him; for the Lord punishes the one whom he loves and beats every son whom he receives. Be constant in your instruction: God treats you like children. Is there any son who is not punished by his father? Therefore, if you remain without punishment, of which all have become participants, then you are not sons, but illegitimate ones. Then, since we had fathers [according to the flesh] as educators of our flesh and revered them, would we not prefer to obey the Father of spirits and not live? But they raised us according to their will, only for a few days, and He [instructs] us in what is useful for the reception of His sanctification. At present, any instruction seems to us not to be joyful, but a reason for regret; but subsequently it brings to those who are taught through it the peaceful fruit of joy. Therefore strengthen your bowed hands and weakened knees, and walk with straight steps on your feet, so that no one wanders lame, but rather becomes strengthened. Strive for peace with everyone and for holiness, without which no one will see God. Be careful that no one is left without the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness grow and cause harm, and through it many become defiled, lest any fornicator or wicked man appear, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal [v. 1–16]. [Ch. XIII:] Let brotherly love remain among you, and do not forget hospitality, for through it Some have pleased, receiving angels with hospitable love. Remember those who are in bonds, as if you yourself were prisoners with them, and those who are suffering, since you yourself are in the body. Marriage [may it be] honest in everyone and the bed undefiled; but the fornicators and adulterers will be judged by God. May morals be not stingy, contented with the present. After all, He himself said: I will not leave you or forsake you, so we will say with complete confidence: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid of what man will do to me. Remember your leaders 27 who preached the word of God to you, looking at the end of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ yesterday and now: He and forever; do not get carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is better to strengthen the heart with love, and not with dishes that do not bring benefit to those enjoying them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle do not have power (potestatem - ability) to eat. After all, the bodies of those animals whose blood is offered by the high priest into the sanctuary for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore, Jesus, in order to sanctify the people with His blood, suffered outside the gates [of the city]. Let us therefore go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. After all, we do not have a remaining city here, but we are looking for a future. Therefore, through Him we will always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of the lips of those who confess His name. Don’t forget about good deeds and fellowship, for through such sacrifices God is gained. Obey your superiors and be in subjection, for they are watching, as those who will give account for your souls, so that they do this with joy, and not with a heavy sigh, because it does not benefit you. Pray for us. We are confident that we have a good conscience, desiring to treat everyone well [v. 1–18]. [Ch. I:] If now you must suffer a little in various kinds of temptations, so that the trial of your faith may be much more precious than gold, which is tested by fire... Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, soberly hope for that grace that is brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christ, as sons of obedience, not conforming to the original desires of your mind, but according to that Holy One who called you, that you yourselves also should be holy in throughout [your] life, for it is written, ye shall be holy, even as I am holy. And if you call Father the One who, regardless of appearance, judges according to everyone’s deeds, then spend the time of your life in fear... Purifying your souls by obedience to love, in brotherly love, from the simplicity of your heart, loving each other mutually, regenerated [or without: regenerated, v. 6; 13–17; 22]. [Ch. II:] Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and pretense, envy and all deceit, like newly born babies, love this intelligent milk without any mixture of deceit... Beloved, I earnestly ask you, as strangers and strangers, to abstain from carnal desires, which rebel against the spirit, spending their good life among the pagans, so that they, speaking of you as evildoers, but looking closely at your good deeds, glorified God on the day of dedication. For the sake of God, be in obedience to all human authorities: to the king, as the predominant one, to the princes, as those sent by him for vengeance against evildoers and for the praise of the good. After all, this is the will of God, that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish people, as free people, and not as if they had freedom, as a cover for malice, but as servants of God. Honor everyone, love brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. Slaves be subject to your masters with all fear, not only the kind and gentle, but also the strict, for it is grace if anyone, out of the knowledge of God, endures sorrows by enduring injustice. After all, what kind of glory is it that you suffer by committing sins and [for this] are subjected to being strangled? But if you endure by doing good and endure suffering patiently, then this is grace before God. For you have been called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example so that you would follow in His footsteps. He committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth; For He, who was reviled, did not slander, while He suffered He did not threaten, but surrendered Himself to the one who judges unrighteously. He Himself bore our sins on His body on the tree, so that we, dead to sins, might live to righteousness: you were healed by His stripe. After all, you were like lost sheep, but now you have turned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls [episcopum animarum vestrarum, cm. 1, 2; 11–25]. [Ch. III:] In the same way, wives must be submissive to their husbands, so that those who do not even believe the word will be won without verbal preaching through the lives of their wives, when they see your immaculate attention with fear. Let it not be their habit to outwardly braid their hair, or adorn themselves with gold, or wear fine clothes, but let it be the innermost heart of a man in the integrity of a meek and humble spirit, rich in the sight of God. After all, this is how wives once adorned themselves, hoping in God, subordinate to their husbands, just as, for example, Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. By doing well, you are her daughters and do not fear any embarrassment. In the same way, you wisely (secundum scientiam) honor your cohabiting husbands (viri cohabitantes), as the weakest vessel, the female vessel, as a joint heir of life in grace, so that your prayers will not be hindered. And in the faith, all [be] unanimous, compassionate, brotherly, merciful, modest, humble, not returning evil for evil, or slander for slander, but, on the contrary, bless, because you are called to receive blessing as an inheritance. After all, he who wants to love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and let his mouth not speak deceit; but let him turn away from evil and do good, let him seek peace and strive for it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are on their prayers. And the face of the Lord is against those who do evil; and who is he that would harm you if you are good zealots? But even if you did not suffer anything for the truth, you are blessed. But do not be afraid of their fear, lest you be embarrassed. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, always ready to give a satisfactory answer to everyone who asks you for an explanation of the hope that is in you, but with modesty and reverence, having a good conscience, so that in the matter for which you are slandered, those who mock your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God pleases, to endure doing good than doing evil [v. 1–17]. [Ch. IV:] And when Christ suffered in the flesh, then you also arm yourself with the same thought, because the one who suffered in the flesh forsook sin, so that for the rest of his life in the flesh he could no longer live according to human desires, but according to the will of God. For it is enough that you spent the past time according to the desires of the pagans, that is, those who live in luxury, lust, drunkenness, gluttony and excess in drinking and illicit service to idols... Therefore, be prudent and watchful in prayer. And above all, have constant mutual love for each other, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable without murmuring. Each of you, according to the gift that you have received, mutually serve each other, as good servants of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, [speak] as the words of God; If anyone serves, [serve] as according to the power that God has prepared, so that in everything God may be glorified through the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion forever and ever. Dearly beloved, do not withdraw from the fire [of suffering] that is sent to you as a temptation, do not be afraid as if something new were happening to you; but rejoice, taking part in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may joyfully triumph in the revelation of His glory. You will be blessed if they slander you for the name of Christ, for that which belongs to the glory, honor and power of God, and He who is the Spirit of God, will rest on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as a villain, or as someone who seeks someone else’s property. But if he endures as a Christian, then let him not be ashamed, but in this name let him glorify God, for the time is coming for judgment to begin from the house of God; but if it first [begins] from you, then what is the fate of those who do not believe the gospel of God? And if the righteous can hardly be saved, then where will the wicked and the sinner appear? So, let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to the faithful Creator in doing good [v. 1–3; 7–19]. [Ch. V:] So, to the elders that you have, I, an old man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed in the future, I beg: shepherd the flock of God that is with you, watching not under compulsion, but voluntarily according to the will of God (secundum Deum), not for the sake of shameful self-interest, but at will, and not as lords over the lot of God, but from the heart having become models for the flock [Christ's]. And when the Chief of the Shepherds appears, then you will receive an unfading crown of glory. In the same way, you young men, be subordinate to the elders, and all instill mutual humility, because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you on the day of visitation; casting all your care on Him, for He has care for you; be sober, be vigilant, because your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, goes around, looking to devour someone. Resist him, strong in faith, knowing that your brotherhood who is in the world endures the same suffering. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will perfect, strengthen and make you steadfast, although you have suffered a few. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen [art. 1–11]. [Ch. I.] Through whom He has given us the greatest and most precious gifts, so that through them you might become partakers of the divine nature, avoiding the corruption of that lust that is in the world. But you, making every effort, serve in faith your virtue, and in virtue - knowledge, and in knowledge - self-control, and in self-control - patience, and in patience - piety, and in piety - brotherly love, and in brotherly love - love; and when you have this and it increases, it will not leave you without success and without fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. And the one who does not have this is blind and gropes (manu tentans), forgetting about the cleansing of his previous sins. Therefore, brothers, try harder to make your calling and election undoubted by good deeds. By doing this you will never sin [v. 4–10]. [Ch. II:] So there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive divisions and deny God, who redeemed them, bringing upon themselves quick destruction. And many will follow their intemperance, through which the way of truth is slandered, and out of covetousness they will persuade you with flattering words. For them, the trial has long been appointed and their destruction does not sleep. The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from destruction, and save the unrighteous on the day of judgment for punishment, and especially those who live according to the flesh in unclean lusts and despise authority, are impudent, self-indulgent, are not afraid to introduce divisions and are detractors. And if the angels are great in their strength and power, they cannot endure the Last Judgment. And these, like unreasonable animals by nature [capable of] capture and destruction, will perish in their corruption, for they slander what they do not understand, they will receive a reward for [their] untruth, for they put [their] pleasure in daily amusements, combining amusements with foul language and uncleanness, at their feasts indulging in luxury with you, their eyes are filled with fornication and incessant sins; they deceive fickle souls, have a heart given over to greed; They are the sons of curses, they began to wander, leaving the straight path... Pronouncing pompous empty speeches, they draw into carnal lusts those who escaped from those in error, promising them freedom, although they themselves are slaves of corruption. After all, whoever is defeated by someone is his slave; for if, having avoided the defilements of the world in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, having again given themselves over to them, they are subjected, then this last thing for them is worse than the first. It was better for them not to learn the way of righteousness than, after learning, to turn back from the holy commandment that was handed down to them. After all, the true word of that saying concerns them: “The dog returns to his vomit” and: “A washed pig into a dirty puddle” [v. 1–3; 9–14; 18–22]. [Ch. III:] Since all this must be destroyed, what kind of person should you be in holy life and piety in anticipation and desire of the coming of the day of God?... Beloved, looking forward to this, take care to be blameless and undefiled in the world, and consider the long-suffering of our Lord to be salvation... So, brethren, knowing this in advance, beware lest, being carried away by the error of the foolish, you do not retreat from your own steadfastness. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen [v. 11, 12; 14, 15, 17, 18]. [Ch. I:] My brethren, when you fall into various temptations, consider it as great joy, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, and patience has its perfect effect, so that you may be perfect and undefiled, without weakness in anything. And whoever needs wisdom, let him ask God, who gives abundantly and blamelessly to everyone, and it will be given to him; let him ask with faith, without hesitation at all. For whoever wavers is like a wave of the sea, tossed and turned by the wind. Let such a person not think that he will receive anything from the Lord, [i.e. e.] a double-minded person, fickle in his ways. Let the humble brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich brother in his humiliation, for he will go away like a flower on the grass, for the sun has risen with heat, and the grass has dried up, and its color has fallen and the adornment of its appearance has perished, so the rich man will wither in his ways. Blessed is the man who endures temptation, because when he is tested, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him... So, do not be deceived, beloved brethren. Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above from the Father of lights... You know, my beloved brethren, let every man be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry; for man's anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, throwing away all impurity, abundance of malice, with meekness accept the word that is suggested [to you], which can save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers of it only, deceiving yourselves; because the one who is a listener of the word, and not a doer of it, is equated to a person examining the natural expression of his face in a mirror; So he looked at himself and left, and immediately forgot what he was like. But whoever has peered into the law of perfect freedom and remains in it, becoming not a forgetful [only] listener, but also a doer of the deed, he will be blessed in the deed. But if anyone thinks that he is pious and does not bridle his tongue, but turns his heart, his piety is in vain. Pure and undefiled piety with God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from this world [v. 2–12; 16, 17; 19–27]. [Ch. II:] My brethren, do not have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality... My beloved brethren, listen, has not God chosen the poor of this world as rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God has promised to those who love Him? And you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you with force, and is it not they who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who slander the good name that has been given to you? But if you fulfill the royal law according to the scriptures—you shall love your neighbor as yourself—then you do well. But if you look at the face, then you commit a sin and, when exposed by the law, you turn out to be its transgressors... After all, judgment without mercy [before] those who do not show mercy: mercy is higher than judgment [v. 1; 5–9; 13]. [Ch. III:] My brethren, do not desire to be more teachers, knowing that you will receive greater condemnation. After all, we all make a lot of mistakes. If someone does not sin in his word, he is a perfect man: he can bind the whole body with a bridle... But none of the people can tame the tongue: it is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless God and the Father, but with it we also curse people who are created in the likeness of God. From the same lips comes blessing and curse. My brothers! it should not be so... Let him who is wise and strictly instructed among you show his deeds by good behavior with wise meekness. For if you have bitter envy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not boast and be liars in spite of the truth. After all, such wisdom does not come from above, but it is earthly, spiritual [animal] devilish; for where there is envy and strife, there is fickleness and every wicked practice. And the wisdom that comes from above is first of all bashful, then peaceful, modest, obedient, in agreement with goodness, full of mercy and good fruits, reasoning without pretense. But the fruit of righteousness is sown peacefully among those who keep peace [v. 1, 2; 8–10; 13–18]. [Ch. IV:] Where does your enmity and strife come from? Is it not because of your lusts that war in your members? You ask and do not receive, because you ask evilly, so that you may consume it in your own lusts. Adulterers! Do you not know that the friendship of this world is hostile to God? So, the one who wants to be a friend of this age becomes the enemy of God... That’s why it is said: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, be submissive to God, but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Sinners, cleanse your hands; double-minded! make your hearts pure. Be humble, weep and weep. May your laughter turn to weeping and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourself before God and He will exalt you. Brothers, do not betray each other... One is the Lawgiver and Judge, Who can free and destroy. And who are you that you judge your neighbor? Now you say: “Today or tomorrow we will go to that city and spend a whole (quidem) year there, and we will trade and make a profit, [this is you] who do not know what will happen tomorrow. After all, what is your life like? This is steam that appears for a short time and then disappears. Instead of saying: “If the Lord pleases” and: “If we live,” we will do this or that. And now you rise up in your arrogance. Any such exaltation is evil. Therefore it is sin for him who knows how to do good and does not do it [v. 1, 3, 4; 6–11; 12–17]. [Ch. V:] Rich! note: weep bitterly for the misfortunes that will come upon you. Your wealth is covered with rot, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have become black, and their rust will be a testimony to you, and your flesh will be consumed like fire. You have stored up anger [on yourself] as a treasure for the last days. This is the wages of the workers who reaped in your fields and cried out because they were deceived by you, and their cries reached the ears of the Lord of the hosts of heaven. You feasted on earth and satisfied your hearts in luxury. On the day of the slaughter you condemned and killed a righteous man and he did not resist you. Therefore, brethren, be patient until the day of the coming of the Lord... Be patient also, strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Brethren, do not complain against each other, so as not to be condemned... And first of all, do not swear by heaven, or earth, or any other oath. But let your word be: “Yes! Yes"! "No! No"! so that you will not be condemned. If any of you grieves, let him pray; and if anyone is calm, let him sing psalms. If anyone is sick, let him bring the elders of the Church to him, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the weak, and the Lord will ease him, and if he is in sins, then they will be forgiven him. So, confess your sins to each other and pray one for the other so that you can be healthy, for the constant (intense) prayer of the righteous can accomplish much... Brothers, if any of you deviates from the truth and if anyone converts him, you should know that causing a sinner to turn from the error of his life will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. [Ch. I:] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, but walk in darkness, then we lie and do not speak the truth; and if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have mutual fellowship, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, then we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is righteous and faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us [v. 8–10]. [Ch. II:] My children! I am writing this to you so that you will not sin, but if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but [for the sins] of the whole world, and therefore we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. He who says that he knows Him, but does not keep His commandments, is a liar and there is no truth in him. And whoever keeps His word, in him in truth the love of God is perfect. In this we know that we are in Him [if we abide in this]. And whoever says that he abides in Him must walk as He walked... Whoever says that he is in the light, but hates his brother, is still in darkness to this day. He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no temptation in him, but he who hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness blinds his eyes... Do not love the world, nor the things that are in the world, because everything that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the exaltation of life, which is not from the Father, but from the world, but the world will pass by and the lust of it, but whoever creates the will of God, he abides forever... Every lie is not from the truth [v. 1–6; 9–11; 15–17; 21]. [Ch. III:] Dearest Beloved! Now we are the sons of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we will be. We know that we will be like Him when He appears, that we will see Him as He is, and everyone who has this hope is sanctified in Him, just as He is holy. Whoever commits sin commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He appeared to destroy sins, but in Him there is no sin. Everyone who abides in Him does not sin, and everyone who sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Children! let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. Whoever commits a sin is of the devil, because from the beginning the devil has been sinning. The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil. Anyone born of God does not commit sin, because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this we can clearly see the sons of God and the sons of the devil. Every unrighteous person and one who does not love his brother is not from God; because from the beginning you heard the proclamation to love one another... Do not be surprised, brethren, that the world hates you. We know that we were translated from death to life because we love the brothers; He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother is a murderer. And you know that every murderer does not have eternal life abiding within himself. In this we know the love of God, that He laid down His life for us, and we must lay down our souls. Whoever has the wealth of this world and sees his brother in need and closes his heart from him, then how does the love of God abide in him? My children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth. Therefore we know that we are of the truth, and we bow our hearts before Him. Therefore, if our heart condemns us, then God is greater than our heart and knows everything. Beloved, if your heart does not condemn us, we have confidence in God, and whatever we ask, we will receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us the commandment. And whoever keeps the commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And therefore we know that He abides in us from the Spirit which He gave us [v. 2–11; 13–24]. [Ch. IV:] Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. The Spirit of God is known by this: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. And every spirit that denies Jesus is not from God. And this is the Antichrist [the adversary of Christ], about whom you have heard that he is coming; and now he is already in the world. Children! you are from God and you have overcome them, because he who is among you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world and speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; but he who is not from God does not listen to us; Therefore we recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved! Let us love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves from God is born and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, because God is love... Beloved! if God loved us so much, then we should love each other. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, then God abides in us, and His love is perfect in us... Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we called and believed in the love that God has for us, God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. In this we have the perfect love of God, that we may have confidence on the day of judgment, for as He is, so we live in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because in fear there is torment. But he who is afraid is imperfect in love. Let us therefore love God, because He first loved us. If anyone says that I love God but hates his brother, he is a liar. After all, who does not love his brother whom he sees, how can he love God Whom he does not see? And we have this commandment from Him, that whoever loves God should also love his brother [v. 1–8; 11, 12; 15–21]. [Ch. V] Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. And everyone who loves Him who begat him also loves Him who was begotten by Him. Therefore we know that we love those born of God, that we love God and keep His commandments. After all, this is love for God, so that we keep the commandments, and His commandments are not difficult. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world... This is the complete confidence we have in Him, that whatever we ask according to His will, He hears us... If anyone knows that his brother is sinning a sin that does not lead to death, let him pray and give him life when they sin not leading to death. There is a sin unto death. I say that he will not pray for him. All lawlessness is sin; but there is a sin that does not lead to death. We know that whoever is born of God does not commit sin, but being born from God preserves him and the evil one does not touch him... Children, keep yourselves from images of likenesses [idols] [v. 1–4; 14; 16–18; 21]. Not as giving you a new commandment, but what we had from the beginning [from God] to love one another. And love is to walk according to His commandments. This commandment is that you should both hear from the beginning and live in it... Anyone who steps back and does not remain in the teachings of Christ does not have God; but whoever remains in the teaching has both the Son and the Father. Whoever comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not greet him (“Ave”), for whoever greets him participates in his evil deeds [v. 5, 6; 9–11]. Dearest Beloved! you act faithfully in whatever you do for your brothers, and this for the strangers who have testified to your faithfulness to the Church; by letting them go, you will do a good deed worthy of God, because they went in His name, accepting nothing from the pagans. Therefore we must accept such in order to be contributors to the truth... Beloved! Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is from God; whoever does evil does not see God [v. 5–8; 11]. From the message of the Apostle Jude Indeed, certain people have crept in who from ancient times were destined for this condemnation, ungodly and turning the grace of God into an excuse for debauchery and denying our only Master and Lord Jesus Christ... They are a disgrace at their feasts, performing them without fear, feeding themselves... They are pretentious grumblers, living according to their own lusts, and their lips spew out slander, looking at faces for profit. And you, beloved, remember the words that were preached by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told you how in the very last time scoffers would come, walking in wickedness according to their lusts. These are those who separate themselves, soulish, without spirit; and you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, preserve yourselves in the love of God, awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life, and convict these, reasoning (judging) them; and save those by snatching them from the fire; and to others show mercy in fear, abhorring even that defiled clothing that is carnal [v. 4; 12; 16–23]. From the book of REVELATIONS OF JOHN [Ch. II:] If even when the Angels are exhorted, it is clear that the exhortation is directed to people, then in all the same instructions we learn that false brothers for the name of God through patience must be tested, and return to good deeds through repentance, and endure persecution to the point of death and serve in love. And towards the end of the book, when it talks about the holy city, he says: [Ch. XXI:] Nothing that is defiled shall enter into it, nor one who practices abomination, nor one who speaks a lie [v. 27]. [Ch. XXII:] Blessed are they who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, that they may possess the tree of life, that they may enter into life. And outside it are dogs, sorcerers, and shameless people, and murderers, and those who serve idols, and everyone who loves and tells lies. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you this [v. 14–16]. Russian before the judges, Slavic, before God, modern Greek. έμπρσθεν τών κριτών. Russian judges, Slavs. Gods, modern Greek. κριτάς In judicio or: in negotio This place is very different in meaning in the Slavic and Russian text. Slav.: The Russian legislator will give the blessing: and the rain covers it with blessing. In the Vulgate this passage reads: cantabo et psallam in gloria mea; exsurge gloria mea; and here, apparently, there is a gap. The context of the speech gives the opposite idea. At Blazh. Augustine took only the first part of his thought. St. Augustine took only the first half of the thought. About the writer of this book, Blessed. Augustine did not say so in book 2. works: De Doctrina Christiana (chapter 8, section 13); but when he composed the present work, he abandoned his original opinion, which was that the book of Wisdom was written by Jesus Sirach. (Compare lib. 2 Retractationum, p. 4, as well as the note to the above passage of the 2nd book: De Doctrina Christiana). Note Mignea. Neither in the Greek text, nor in the text of the blessed. Jerome has no words: dicentes: Pax huic domini; but in the Vulgate they are. They are also available in the corresponding place of Evang. Luke (ch. X, v. 5: λέγετε εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ). Up to 600 thousand pounds of silver or gold. The Greek word φυλακτήριον in Bl. Augustine is transmitted in the form of phylacterium, that is, left without translation; it means: a guardhouse, a guardhouse, and then a safety device, an amulet, a talisman. nolite vocari vobis (in Greek μὴ κληθῆτε=let you not be called). Words: διδάσκαλος and καθηγητὴς from Bl. Augustine is indifferently translated by the word magister and therefore monotony is obtained in the rendering of the Lord’s speech. The word ῥαββεί in the bl. Augustine is left without translation. Small coin, ½ ounce copper. Justificatus ab illo. Greek: δεδικαιωμένος… ῆ γὰρ ἐκεῖνος or: παρ᾿ ἐκεῖνον, which means – justified... than even that, or: justified more than that. The same meaning can be given to the Latin ab illo in view of the context of speech comparing hi c and ille. Greek ζήσεται =Latin: vivet. In Greek there is no place corresponding to the words of bl. Augustine: non tantum coram Deo. Note translator According to the connection of speech, one should add: God. Note translator Commune, Greek κοινὸν=general, generally accessible, common, simple, hence: vile (in biblical language: unclean). et divisus est. In the Greek text this passage is read somewhat differently, precisely in such a way that the Russian and Slavic translations give a literal rendering of the Greek text. Latin potestas, Greek ἐξουσία; according to the connection of speech, the translation by the word potestas of the Greek ἐξουσία is not consistent with the thought of the Apostle, because here we are talking about the possibility of receiving support for preachers of the word of God through the means of life from believers, and not about power over them. Lat. praepositorum (placed above you) Greek. ἡγουμένοις (leading, commanding). You might be interested in: