The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs 101
Gad 7
If another prospers more, the text urges prayer for his perfect prosperity rather than grief or envy.
1f a man prospereth more than you, be not grieved, but pray also for him, that he may have perfect prosperity.
2 For perchance it is expedient for you thus; and if he be further exalted, be not envious, remembering that all flesh shall die: and offer praise to God, who giveth things good and profitable to all men.
3 Seek out the judgments of the Lord, and so shall thy mind rest and be at peace.
4 And though a man become rich by evil means, even as Esau the brother of my father, be not jealous; but wait for the end of the Lord.
5 For either He taketh His benefits away from the wicked, or leaveth them still to the repentant, or to the unrepentant reserveth punishment for ever.
6 For the poor man who is free from envy, giving thanks to the Lord in all things, is rich among all men, because he hath not evil jealousy of men.
7 Put away, therefore, hatred from your souls, and love one another with uprightness of heart.
Did You Know?
If another prospers more, the text urges prayer for his perfect prosperity rather than grief or envy.
All flesh shall die is the stark reminder given against envy when someone is further exalted.
Esau, the brother of the speaker's father, is cited as one who became rich by evil means.
A poor man free from envy who gives thanks in all things is called rich among all men.
Hatred must be put away from souls so that people love one another with uprightness of heart.
← → arrow keys to navigate chapters · spacebar to play/pause audio