The Prologue: Whereas many and great matters have been delivered to us through the Torah and the neḇi’im and by others that have followed their paths, for which Yisra’ĕl ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and of which not only the readers need to become competent themselves, but also those who desire to learn be able to benefit those who are outside, both by speaking and writing. My grandfather Yahoshua, when he had applied himself greatly to the reading of the Law, and the neḇi’im, and other Books of our fathers, and had acquired good judgment from them, was himself also led to write somewhat pertaining to learning and wisdom; to the intent that those who desire to learn, and are drawn to such, might profit much more in living according to the Law. Therefore let me plead that you read it with good intent and attention, and to pardon us for where we may seem to come short in some words, which we have labored to interpret. For the same words spoken in Iḇri, and translated into another tongue, do not have the same force in them; and not only this, but the Law itself, and the neḇi’im, and the rest of the Books, have great difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the thirty-eighth year of coming into Mitsrayim, when Euergetĕs was sovereign, and continuing there some time, I found a book of great learning; therefore I thought it necessary for me to devote some diligence and labor to interpret it; using great vigilance and skill in that time to complete the book, and also publish it for those in a foreign land who are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the Law.
1 All wisdom comes from 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄, and is with Him forever.
2 Who may number the sand of the sea and the drops of rain,
And the days of eternity?
3 Who may search out the height of the shamayim,
And the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom?
4 Wisdom has been created before all,
And the understanding of insight from everlasting.
5 The Word of Elohim Most High is the fountain of wisdom;
And her ways are everlasting Commands.
6 To whom has the root of wisdom been revealed?
Or who has known her wise counsels?
7 Unto whom has the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
And who has understood her great experience?
8 There is One wise and greatly to be revered:
𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 sitting upon His throne.
9 He created her, and saw her, and measured her,
And poured her out upon all His works.
10 She is with all flesh according to His gift,
And He has given her to those who love Him.
11 The reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is esteem and splendor and gladness,
And a crown of rejoicing.
12 The reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 makes a glad heart,
And gives joy, and gladness, and a long life.
13 It shall go well to the end for he who reveres 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
And he shall find favor in the day of his death.
14 To revere 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is the beginning of wisdom:
And it was created with the trustworthy in the womb.
15 She has built an everlasting foundation with men,
And she shall continue with their seed.
16 To revere 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is fullness of wisdom,
And fills men with her fruits.
17 She fills all their house with that which is desirable,
And the gatherers with her increase.
18 The reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is a crown of wisdom,
Making peace and perfect health to flourish;
Both of which are gifts of Elohim;
And it increases the rejoicing of those that love Him.
19 Wisdom rains down skill and knowledge of understanding,
And exalts to esteem those who hold her fast.
20 The root of wisdom is to revere 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
And the branches thereof are long life.
21 The reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 drives away sins,
And where it is present, it turns away wrath.
22 A wrathful man cannot be declared right;
For the sway of his wrath shall be his destruction.
23 A patient man shall weep for a time,
And afterward joy shall spring up in him.
24 He shall hold his words for a time,
And the lips of many shall declare his wisdom.
25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom:
But reverence is an abomination to a sinner.
26 If you desire wisdom, guard the Commands,
And 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 shall give her to you.
27 For the reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is wisdom and instruction;
And belief and meekness are his delight.
28 Do not doubt the reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 when you are poor:
And do not come to him with a double mind.
29 Do not be a hypocrite in the sight of men,
And take heed what you speak.
30 Do not exalt yourself, lest you fall, and bring shame upon yourself,
And so Elohim uncover your secrets, and throw you down in the midst of the assembly,
Because you did not come in truth to the reverence of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
But your heart is full of deceit.
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