3 Two ways hath God given to the sons of men, and two inclinations, and two kinds of action, and two modes of action, and two issues. (T12) 4 Therefore all things are by twos, one over against the other. (T12) 5 For there are two ways of good and evil, and with these are the two inclinations in our breasts discriminating them. (T12) 6 Therefore if the soul take pleasure in the good inclination, all its actions are in righteousness; and if it sin it straightway repenteth. (T12) 7 For, having its thoughts set upon righteousness, and casting away wickedness, it straightway overthroweth the evil, and uprooteth the sin. (T12) 8 But if it incline to the evil inclination, all its actions are in wickedness, and it driveth away the good, and cleaveth to the evil, and is ruled by Beliar; even though it work what is good, he perverteth it to evil. (T12) 9 For whenever it beginneth to do good, he forceth the issue of the action into evil for him, seeing that the treasure of the inclination is filled with an evil spirit. (T12) 10 A person then may with words help the good for the sake of the evil, yet the issue of the action leadeth to mischief. (T12) 11 There is a man who showeth no compassion upon him who serveth his turn in evil; and this thing bath two aspects, but the whole is evil. (T12) 12 And there is a man that loveth him that worketh evil, because he would prefer even to die in evil for his sake; and concerning this it is clear that it bath two aspects, but the whole is an evil work. (T12)
Testament of Asher 1:3–12
Semantically similar passages
Mandates 36:7–9
7 But from the angel of wickedness stand aloof, for his teaching is evil in every matter; for though one be a man of faith, and the desire of this angel enter into his heart, that man, or that woman, must commit some sin. (HER) 8 And if again a man or a woman be exceedi… (HER)
Testament of Benjamin 1:39–41
39 And he cleanseth his mind that he may not be condemned by men as well as by God. (T12) 40 And in like manner the works of Beliar are twofold, and there is no singleness in them. (T12) 41 Therefore, my children, I tell you, flee the malice of Beliar; for he giveth a sword to them… (T12)
Testament of Asher 1:20–22
20 But do not ye, my children, wear two faces like unto them, of goodness and of wickedness; but cleave unto goodness only, for God hath his habitation therein, and men desire it. (T12) 21 But from wickedness flee away, destroying the evil inclination by your good works;… (T12) 22 … (T12)
Sirach 14:6–8
6 There is none more evil than he who is grudging to himself. This is a punishment for his wickedness. (WEB) 7 Even if he does good, he does it in forgetfulness. In the end, he reveals his wickedness. (WEB) 8 A miser is evil. He turns away and disregards souls. (WEB)
Sirach 19:27–29
27 bowing down his face, and pretending to be deaf in one ear. Where he isn’t known, he will take advantage of you. (WEB) 28 And if for lack of power he is hindered from sinning, if he finds opportunity, he will do mischief. (WEB) 29 A man will be known by his appearance. One who h… (WEB)
Sirach 11:30–32
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of a proud man. Like a spy, he looks for your weakness. (WEB) 31 For he lies in wait to turn things that are good into evil, and assigns blame in things that are praiseworthy. (WEB) 32 From a spark of fire, a heap of many coals i… (WEB)
Testament of Benjamin 1:32–34
32 And if any one betrayeth a righteous man, the righteous man prayeth: though for a little he be humbled, yet not long after he appeareth far more glorious, as was Joseph my brother. (T12) 33 The inclination of the good man is not in the power of the deceit of the spirit… (T12)
2 Baruch 15:1–3
1 And the Lord answered and said unto me: 'Thou art rightly astonied regarding the departure of (2BA) 2 man, but thou hast not judged well regarding the evils which befall those who sin. And as regards (2BA) 3 what thou hast said, that the righteous are carried off and the impio… (2BA)
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