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)
Testament of Asher 1:8–10
Semantically similar passages
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Proverbs 17:19–21
19 He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction. 20 The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 21 A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
Testament of Joseph 1:67–69
67 But she knew not that because of my lord I spake thus, and not because of her. (T12) 68 For if a man hath fallen before the passion of a wicked desire and become enslaved by it, even as she, whatever good thing he may hear with regard to that passion, he receiveth it w… (T12)
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