4QInstruction - Musar leMevin

The Instruction for the Understanding One

[A book of wisdom for the discerning student; preserved in many fragments, much broken.]

And you, O understanding one, gaze upon the mystery that is to come, and know the paths of all the living and the manner of their walking; meditate on it day and night. Search it out always, and then you will know truth and iniquity, wisdom and folly. [Text missing]

Consider the times of the appointed seasons, and the measure of every age; for God has laid bare the hidden things to the ear of those who understand, and has opened the mystery that is to come. Through it walk the works of righteousness, and apart from it nothing is done.

If you are poor, do not say, “I am poor, so I will not seek knowledge.” Bend your shoulder to all instruction, and refine your heart in much understanding. Though you lack bread, do not for hunger overstep a boundary or trade your honor. Do not sell yourself for wealth; better to be a poor man and an heir of the mystery than a rich man brought low. [Line damaged]

If you borrow, repay quickly, and be even with your creditor; do not be a slave to debt. Do not exchange your holy spirit for any price, for there is no price worthy of it. Honor your father in your poverty, and your mother in your low estate; for they are to you as God is to a man, your makers under God; and as they uncovered your ear to the mystery, so honor them all your days.

When you take a wife, walk together in the truth, and rule your house in righteousness. The judgment is appointed; the LORD will repay each according to his deeds; and the sons of his favor he will lift to an everlasting height, while iniquity is destroyed forever. [Text missing]

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