Testament of Asher 1

1The testament of Asher, the tenth son of Jacob and Zilpah. The copy of the testament of Asher, which he spoke to his sons in the one hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life.

2While still healthy, he said to them, “Hear, children of Asher, your father, and I will show you everything that is upright before God.”

3God has given two ways to the sons of men, and two purposes, and two actions, and two modes, and two ends.

4Therefore all things are twofold, one over against the other.

5For there are two ways, of good and of evil; and in them are the two purposes in our breasts, distinguishing them.

6If, then, the soul wants to walk well, it does all its actions in righteousness; and even if it sins, it immediately repents.

7For by considering what is righteous and casting away wickedness, it at once overturns evil and uproots sin.

8But if the intent inclines to evil, all its actions are in wickedness, driving away the good and clinging to the evil, and ruled by Beliar; and even if it does something good, it turns it into evil.

9For whenever it begins to do good, the end of the action drives him into evil, because the treasure of its purpose is filled with an evil spirit.