WISDOM FROM THE PAST

So often we think that the Ten Commandments given to Moses around 1400 B.C., was the beginning of God’s involvement in teaching man how to live according to His edicts. However, in a document called “The Babylonian Counsels of Wisdom,” that consisted of oral laws finally written down around 100 years earlier, we find some ancient teachings that serve as an example of the wisdom of the ages that preceded the writings of the Old Testament. It is highly thought that these teachings were actually the, “Instructions of Shuruppak,” which was an ancient Sumerian city situated about 35 miles south of Nippur on the banks of the Euphrates River at the site of modern Tell Fara in Iraq‘s Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate. This is the land where Abraham came from. These teachings include:

► Every day worship your god.

► Sacrifice and benediction are the proper accompaniment of incense burning.

► Present your free-will offering to your god, for this is proper toward the gods.

► Prayer, supplication, are done while prostrated.

► Bring Him a daily offering, and your reward will result in having full communion with your god.

► In your wisdom study the tablet.

► Reverence begets favor, sacrifice prolongs life, and prayer atones for guilt.

► Do not utter libel, speak what is of good report.

► Do not say evil things, speak well of people.

► One who utters libel and speaks evil, men will confront him about his debit account to god.

► Beware of careless talk, guard your lips; do not utter solemn oaths while alone, for what you say in a moment will follow you afterwards.

► Exert yourself to restrain your speech.

Other important teachings in this codex are:

■ Avoidance of bad companions.

■ Improper speech.

■ Avoidance of altercations and pacification of enemies.

■ Kindness to those in need.

■ The duties and benefits of religion..

■ Improper deception of friends.

Isn’t it sad that an ancient culture that some would call pagan had a better grasp of ethics and virtues than many modern day societies that are called civilized. That’s why the role of Christianity is becoming more and more important and vital as a light of consciousness and conviction in today’s world.