Book of the Foundation of Awe

Introduction

Men of understanding have asked me to teach them the ways of instruction and wisdom, to give them rules whereby they might find life for their bodies while they are upon the earth, and help them toward the life of the soul on the day when they shall be called to ascend on high.

I was much astonished at their request; it seemed, indeed, strange in my sight, considering that the matter is closed and concealed, nay, hidden from the eye of all creatures; no mortal knowing and estimating the way—it is but found by those who fear God.

I then turned to inquire, and to search in the Law of God, and I attuned my thoughts; I tested in the refining vessel the opinions of experts who went before me, and I realized that all is nought and vanity beside the fear of the Lord.

Therefore, why shall I remain silent? Is it not well that I rouse the slumberers and build up a habitation firm and exalted upon the mountain-top whither my goal shall be? Indeed, as for the “Foundation of Fear,” I will establish it upon its true basis, and set it forth in chapters and stanzas. [ . . . ]

On Prayer and Service

[ . . . ] See how beautiful is the Law, how pleasant the fear of heaven! They are like a beautiful and comely woman, decked in golden ornaments, clothed in scarlet, having adorned herself with the help of the mirror, one to be commended for her good taste, bearing all the evidence of pleasantness and grace.

Learning without religious fear is as a woman of contradictions, disobedient, and lacking in manners, one who makes her eyes look large by the use of rouge and eye-paint and adorns herself with necklaces and earrings. What is the use of all her beauty and splendor, when her clothing is untidy, and her true nature is disclosed? [ . . . ]

On Chastity

Fear God who formed you as His servant, and incline not your heart from His ways; and if your evil nature entices you to draw you away with much smoothness of persuasion, then close your ear and listen not to its voice, and you will never know any lapse from God’s paths.

Drink from your own well flowing water and wander not about after deep waters. Rejoice in the wife of your youth and err not through strange and senseless beauty. Give not to strangers your strength, nor in folly spend your earnings in an unknown house.

The attractive woman adorns herself in fine apparel, so she may be showy in her beauty, and she is as buoyant as a horse harnessed. You might think that in her love there is relief; but set your heart to understand her end, and you will find that the end is shame and reproach. [ . . . ]

How much better it is to caress a lioness than a senseless woman! Better to kiss the lips of an adder or scorpion than foolishly to kiss her lips! You may think it pleasant to have her company to your heart’s content; but understand, you will have a full share of shame and disgrace to follow.

In living with the wife of your youth, seek to attach yourself to men of principle; and let not senseless beauty entice you, nor the thought of money or substance lead you astray, remembering that according to the root and stem the tree will produce its fruit—even a revolting growth.

Love life’s companion with a constant love, and then you may be assured of her love; and when you thrust her aside, thrust her aside with your left, but draw her near to you with your right hand; otherwise your heart will flit about hither and thither. And while you are strict with her, be so with gentle caution, for then you shall have peace at all hours and times.

Be glad, rejoice in the charms of the love destined for thee by Heaven; so she forever will find her fullest joy, and delight with gladness in you. Understand, too, there are times to embrace; but there is also a time when it is better to be alone than to caress. [ . . . ]

On Contentment

[ . . . ] Eat your bread as far as thou require it, in order to live and to satisfy your wants, but do not overfeed; for what is the use of indulging to excess, if you must give it up in pain, and suffer burning in thy palate and throat; or what is the use of filling yourself with loathsomeness, if you can stop, and not waste your foodstuff?

Understand that food nourishes the body just as rain does the ground; it gives sap and fat to the bones and goes towards the growth and development of the human frame. Is it not a fact, however, that when there is too much rain, the seed becomes rotten in consequence, and you lose the whole advantage?

Enjoy of bread and water your proper ration and eat not more than to satisfy; for you will find that the body derives satisfaction and benefit from the little, while superfluity breeds discomfort. Some salt in your cooking gives it a pleasant taste; but if you salt it too much, what is the good of swallowing it?

Have prepared a dish of greens and vegetables, as long as it’s ready at mealtime; for what is the good of even fat lamb, if you have to wait for it when you’re dying of hunger, and it’s not forthcoming. There is a blessing in the rain that comes in its due season; but what is the use of the raincloud out of season?

Eat, indeed, your regular fare, and hanker not after the table of kings; for why should you bother to look for that which you will not find at the time you want it? Why lose the enjoyment of that which you can have, in searching with difficulty in the dark amid the haunts of others?

Eat to your satisfaction in the house of a friend and be glad to partake of whatever he has prepared for his own meal; for you know how much better it is to have merely a dry morsel with ease in the house of a kind and good-hearted fellow, than to have a repast of meats, fat and juicy, together with the growl of a stingy miser.