Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

1The Testament of Simeon — On Envy. 2The copy of the words of Simeon, the things which he spake to his sons before he died, in the hundred and twentieth year of his life. 3Now, my children, hearken to Simeon your father, what things I have in my heart. I was born of Jacob as his second son; and my mother Leah called me Simeon, because the Lord had heard her prayer. 4Now I confess my sin, my children, that ofttimes I wished to kill Joseph; for I loved him not from my heart. But the God of my fathers delivered him from my hands, that I should not commit a great folly in Israel. 5Beware therefore, my children, of envy and hatred of brethren, for these destroy soul and body, and bring forth wrath and war in the heart, and stir up to deeds of blood, and lead the mind into frenzy. 6Love one another, every one his brother with a true heart, for the spirit of envy maketh the soul savage, and destroyeth the body.