E — Wisdom Literature

A Sapiential Work Instruction-like Composition (4Q424)

1The main aim of this poetic composition is to instruct the just man how to ensure the progress of wisdom by not entrusting its propagation to the unworthy. Palaeographically it is dated to the second half of the first century BCE. For the editio princeps, see S. Tanzer, DJD, XXXVI, 333-46. Fr. 1 ... and he will choose to build it, and will spread plaster on its wall. He too ... will become loose because of the rain. Do not learn a precept in the company of hypocrites nor come to the furnace with a totterer, for he will melt away like lead, and will not stand up to the fire... and do not entrust a sleepy man with something delicate, for he will not treat your work gently... Do not send... learning (?), for he will not smooth down your paths. Do not [send... ] a grumbler to procure money for your need, nor put your trust in a man with twisted lips, [for] he will surely twist your judgement by his lips. His desire will not follow the truth, ... by the fruit of his lips. Do not put a stingy man in charge of mone[y],

2... mete out your food according to your desire... ... those who bring abundance... but at the time of gathering he will be found ungodly. The short-tempered... the simple, for he will surely swallow them up ... Fr. 3 ... and he will not do his deed by weighing it. A man who judges before inquiry, and one who believes before ... , do not put him in charge of those who pursue knowledge, for he will not understand their manner so as to justify the just and declare the wicked [wicked]; he too will be for contempt. Do not send a blind man to bring a vision to the upright; li[kewise] do not send a man who is hard of hearing to inquire into judgement, for he will not smooth out a quarrel between people. Like one who scatters into the wind... ... who does not test, so is he who speaks to an ear which does not listen, and talks to a man deep asleep through a spirit... Do not send a 'fat-hearted' (dense) man to acquire thoughts, for the wisdom of his heart is hidden, and he will not be in charge o[f his heart], and will not find wisdom for his hands. An intelligent man gains un[derstanding], a knowing man will bring forth wisdom... an upright man delights in justice, a man of truth rej[oices in] ... a mighty man is zealous for... He is an adversary to all changers of boundaries, ... righteousness for the poor of...

3He disputes with all who move the boundaries. A merciful man [gives] alms to the poor. He is concerned for all those without property; The sons of righteousness...