The knowledge of many and great things hath been shewn us by the law,
and the prophets, and others that have followed them: for which things
Israel is to be commended for doctrine and wisdom, because not only
they that speak must needs be skilful, but strangers also, both
speaking and writing, may by their means become most learned. My
grandfather Jesus, after he had much given himself to a diligent
reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books, that were
delivered to us from our fathers, had a mind also to write something
himself, pertaining to doctrine and wisdom; that such as are desirous
to learn, and are made knowing in these things, may be more and more
attentive in mind, and be strengthened to live according to the law. I
entreat you therefore to come with benevolence, and to read with
attention, and to pardon us for those things wherein we may seem, while
we follow the image of wisdom, to come short in the composition of
words; for the Hebrew words have not the same force in them when
translated into another tongue. And not only these, but the law also
itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no small
difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the
eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Ptolemy Evergetes was
king, and continuing there a long time, I found there books left, of no
small nor contemptible learning. Therefore I thought it good, and
necessary for me to bestow some diligence and labour to interpret this
book; and with much watching and study in some space of time, I brought
the book to an end, and set it forth for the service of them that are
willing to apply their mind, and to learn how they ought to conduct
themselves, who purpose to lead their life according to the law of the
Lord.