1
My child, flee from every evil thing,
and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to
murder.
2
Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all
these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication.
3
Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries
are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to
idolatry.
4
Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be
willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My
child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft.
5
Be neither money-loving, nor
vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a
murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy.
6
Be neither self-willed nor
evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth.
7
Be long-suffering
and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words
which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to
your soul.
8
Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and
lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as
good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.