Unrhymed Proverbs

Unknown

10th or 11th Century

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These proverbs were among the earliest discoveries of the Cairo Geniza, and their publication illustrated the potential of that cache of texts to radically expand the corpus of medieval Jewish literature. Difficulties with this text abound, however. Some have found indications of Karaite leanings, but the evidence is ambiguous at best. The author, of Babylonian origin, supports the concept of free will, perhaps polemicizing against certain determinist trends in Islamic theology, and praises the “wise” over “fools.” It has proved difficult to place these verses, which are full of biblical references, within any known school of medieval Hebrew poetry. The author urges his readers to forsake the world and focus on wisdom, which is equated to Torah study, as the key to increased piety.

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Wisdom increases fear [of God]

and [the wise] will inherit two worlds.

Those who love laziness are haters of knowledge;

they will sleep eternally and not wake.

Those who walk humbly [see Micah 6:8], singers of songs

shall stand in God’s Temple.

They shine more than a sunrise

lit with the light of life.

Praised be the one who removes his desire

and eliminates his heart’s anger

Who holds on to a fear of God

and utters praise in His dwelling place.

God creates a companion for Himself

and gives him his heart’s desires.

Why should a man complain about His ways?

He does things as He desires.

If He desires good, He does so,

and if He desires bad, He does so.

One should not say, I did not do this [sin],

Or, I have done it due to my nature,

For man’s acts are not as God’s acts,

and his actions indicate who he is.

Whether [man’s] actions are good or bad, it is He who is praised,

and His name is [known] all over the world.

It is known that man has his abilities

and can do good or bad.

In addition, the Almighty will answer him when he seeks Him

and will lead him in the way his heart desires.

That is why man should act honestly

for he will be praised for his honesty.

Let man not follow bad advice

for he will fall in its trap.

Torah and glory, modesty and repentance

save those who possess them from sin.

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Studying Torah is the greatest thing of all,

then he will succeed in his deeds and become wise.

Praised is the man who has found wisdom

and ponders God’s Torah.

Fools are slaves to the wise;

they have need of them against their will.

As the rich rules the poor [see Proverbs 22:7],

so too is the fool a slave to the wise of heart.

As the borrower is servant to the lender [see Proverbs 22:7],

so evil ones are slaves to the humble.

The hearts of those who understand are like the hearts of prophets

for their hearts are supported by the Torah of prophets.

Many think that they are wise,

but what is the wisdom of those who hate the Torah?

Wisdom and studying Torah are better

than all the concerns of this world.

Wisdom and fear of God are better

than all the delights of this world.

Torah, and the reproof of wisdom are greater

than all life in this world.

For wisdom is the Creator’s tool

and remains with [the wise man] eternally.

Those who are involved with it [wisdom] will also enjoy themselves there [in eternity],

and those who are separated from them will be destroyed and destitute.

Therefore, those who ponder Torah are happy

and live eternally, without shame.

A man should not boast of his beauty and visage

and should not rejoice in nothing.

A man should not boast of his large family

for of what account are they?

A man should not boast of the power of his strength

but rather he should conquer his inclinations.

A man should not boast of his glorious wealth

because it cannot save him.

A man should not boast of his great wisdom

and should not rely on his understanding [see Proverbs 3:5]. [ . . . ]

18

The way of fools is foolishness and haughtiness

and to busy themselves with the joy of this world.

The way of the righteous and humble

is to sit alone and silent [see Lamentations 3:28],

To keep on bearing the reproach of fools

and not to go along with dissemblers,

Not to stand on the sinner’s path

and to distance oneself from sitting with jesters,

Rather to study God’s Torah

and take joy in the joy of Torah [see Psalms 1:1–2].

To subdue the soul and break the heart,

to mourn the destruction of Joseph [see Amos 6:6],

Not to harm any brother,

who believes in the God of Israel,

Despite the fact that he has no knowledge

for his small faith is righteousness.

Therefore, one must rebuke them to go on the path of the good,

and one must not warn jesters and strangers.

Thus, one must love those who love the Torah,

and honor those who fear God.

Scorn fools and jesters

who are busy with concerns of the world,

Whose focus is eating and drinking and sleeping,

who trade the world to come for their cravings.

For those who fear God do not love this world

and do not love its concerns.

They desire life in the world to come.

Therefore the righteous man trusts even in his death.

Even though they are afraid,

because of sin, they fear.

For the righteous, those who repent

merit eternal life.

The joy of wisdom and God’s Torah

indicates those who are good in the eyes of God.

Concern with the world and piling up property

indicates the sinners in this world.

Translated by Tiki Krakowski.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.

Unrhymed Proverbs

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Unrhymed Proverbs

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