t12papocrypha
Testament of Gad 7
Gad closes his testament by commanding his sons to purge hatred from the soul and replace it with prayer for the prospering of others. The Esau reference anchors the instruction: even when a man gains by evil means, the proper response is patient waiting on Jehovah's judgment, not envious agitation. God either withdraws the benefit from the wicked, holds it for the repentant, or reserves eternal consequence for the unrepentant. The man free from envy who gives thanks in all conditions is named rich in the true sense — poor in coveting, full in covenant peace.
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If a man prospereth more than you, be not grieved, but pray also for him, that he may have perfect prosperity. For perchance it is expedient for you thus; and if he be further exalted, be not envious, remembering that all flesh shall die: and offer praise to God, who giveth things good and profitable to all men. Seek out the judgments of the Lord, and so shall thy mind rest and be at peace. And though a man become rich by evil means, even as Esau the brother of my father, be not jealous; but wait for the end of the Lord. For either He taketh His benefits away from the wicked, or leaveth them still to the repentant, or to the unrepentant reserveth punishment for ever. For the poor man who is free from envy, giving thanks to the Lord in all things, is rich among all men, because he hath not evil jealousy of men. Put away, therefore, hatred from your souls, and love one another with uprightness of heart.
