4QInstruction

The wisdom of the understanding one — the call to study the mystery of being, by which God hath ordered the world, the festivals, and the destinies of all the children of men.

1And thou, O understanding one — meditate upon the mystery of being. Study from of old the source of all wisdom. Know what hath been, and what is, and what is to be.

2All these things did God set in order before they were made. He hath fashioned each one according unto its time and unto its season. The mystery of being is the foundation of all His works. Whosoever knoweth this mystery, the wisdom of the Lord is upon him.

3Day and night meditate upon the mystery of being. Study it continually. Then thou shalt know the truth and the iniquity, the wisdom and the folly. Thou shalt know every act, in all its appointed time, every visitation in all its season.

4Then shalt thou know the difference between good and evil according unto their works; for the God of knowledge is the foundation of truth. By the mystery of being He hath laid the foundation; He hath fashioned it with wisdom; He hath ordered it with all cunning skill.

5He hath divided the inheritance of every living thing; and He hath set down the law of every spirit. Concerning the children of dust hath He determined every visitation; the wages of every work hath He set before Himself unto everlasting.

6Therefore, my son, walk in the truth. Cleave unto the wisdom of God. Take instruction from the mystery of being. The fear of the Lord shall be the beginning of thy understanding; the seeking of the Lord shall be thy continual delight.

7Be not as a fool which knoweth not the day of his visitation. Be not as a sluggard which sleepeth in the day of harvest. Be not as a wicked one which trampleth upon the gift of God. But be thou as a wise son which gathereth the wisdom of the Lord, and storeth it up in his heart, against the day of need.

The instruction unto the poor in spirit — though thou art poor in this world, thou hast an inheritance among the holy ones; live therefore as a son of the kingdom.

1And thou — though thou art poor, despise not thy poverty. The Lord hath made thee poor; the Lord can make thee rich. Thy portion is not in this world; thy portion is with the holy ones in the everlasting.

2Borrow not silver where thou canst not pay; for the borrower is the slave of the lender. If thou dost borrow, pay back swiftly. Speak not lightly an oath; better not to swear at all, lest thou be found a transgressor.

3If thou hast nothing, eat not at the table of the rich man; for thou shalt envy his portion, and shalt grow bitter in thy soul. Eat thy bread alone, before the Lord; and the Lord shall be thy companion.

4Honour thy father and thy mother — though they be poor; for as the Lord hath honoured the parents above the child, so honour thou them all the days of their life. Take care of them in their old age; cover their nakedness; provide their bread; and the Lord shall reward thee.

5Take care of thy wife. She is given thee of the Lord; she is the partner of thy way. Cleave unto her; love her; teach her the truth. Together shall ye walk in the way; together shall ye keep the covenant; together shall ye be received unto the kingdom.

6Take care of thy children. Teach them the law from their youth. Discipline them in love; rebuke them in patience. Show them the wisdom of the mystery of being. Set their feet upon the path; and the Lord shall preserve them all the days of their life.

7Stretch out thy hand unto the needy. The Lord giveth thee, that thou mayest give unto another. He that hath gathered manna and stored it up shall find it stinketh; but he that hath shared it shall find it sweet. Withhold not the wage of the labourer; for the cry of the labourer reacheth unto the Lord, and He shall require it of thee.

8And in all things, my son, take heed unto thyself. The world is full of snares. The adversary lieth in wait for thy soul. But the Lord is a tower of refuge for them that fear Him. Run thou into Him; thou shalt be safe.

9And in the day of thy visitation, the Lord shall raise thee up. Thou shalt sit among the holy ones. Thou shalt inherit the everlasting kingdom. Thou shalt know the mystery of being in fullness; and thou shalt rejoice in the wisdom of the Lord for ever. Amen.