Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

1The Testament of Reuben — On Repentance and the Spirits of Deceit. 2The copy of the testament of Reuben, what things he charged his sons before he died in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of his life. 3Hearken, my brethren, give ear to Reuben your father, what things I command you. And behold, I call to witness against you this day the God of heaven, that ye walk not in the sins of youth and fornication, wherein I was poured out, and defiled the bed of my father Jacob. 4For seven spirits are given against man by Beliar, and they are the leaders in the works of youth: the spirit of fornication, the spirit of insatiableness in the belly, the spirit of fighting in courage, the spirit of pleasing and magic, the spirit of pride, the spirit of lying, and the spirit of injustice. 5Beware therefore of fornication, my children, and pray to the Lord without ceasing, that He may keep you from every evil. For fornication is the destruction of the soul, separating it from God, and bringing it near to idols. 6Honor Levi and Judah, for from their seed shall arise the salvation of Israel.