Instruction of Shurupagg begins with a classic, fairy tale opening. Long ago, in a land far away, there ived…
In those days, in those far remote days, in those nights, in those far away nights, in those years, in those far remote years, at that time the wise one who knew how to speak in elaborate words lived in the Land; Shuruppag, the wise one, who knew how to speak with elaborate words lived in the Land. Shurppag gave instructions to his son; Shuruppag, the son of Ubara-Tutu, gave instruction to his son Ziud-sura… (32-34)
The setting for these proverbs is in the past, golden age when wise men spoke ‘with elaborate words’. This is like
There follows a list of proverbs, many of which are as applicable today as they were back then, over four millennia ago! I’ve selected a few and added a few clarifying comments.
The Instructions
A thief is a lion, but after he has been caught, he will be a slave. My son, you should not commit robbery, you should not cut yourself with an axe. (32-34)
In other words, committing theft is as stupid as cutting yourself with an axe!
You should not play around with a married young woman: the slander could be serious. My son, you should not sit alone in a chamber with a married woman. (32-34)
Avoid compromising situations. The flesh is weak!
You should not work using only your eyes; you will not multiply your possessions using only your mouth. (175-76)
In other words, the job will not get done by just talking about it!
By grasping the neck of a huge ox you, can cross the river. By moving along (?) at the side of the mighty men of your city, my son, you will certainly ascend (?). (189-92)
Make friends with your betters and allow them to teach you.
A woman with her own property ruins the house. (220)
I include this one as I think it shows how seemingly modern debates over gender roles go back a ways – like four millennia!
A loving heart maintains a family; a hateful heart destroy a family. (202-3)
You should not choose a wife during a festival. Her inside is illusory (?); her outside is illusory(?). (208-212)
Don’t fall for the girl who steals the show of the party. Take some time to get to know her when she is not putting on her best.
You should not buy a vicious bull. (213)
Nothing at all is to be valued, but life should be sweet. You should not serve things; things should serve you. My son… (242-4)
You should not speak arrogantly to your mother; that causes hatred for you. You should not question the words of your mother and your personal god. The mother, like Utu, gives birth to the man. The father, like a god, makes him bright (?). The father is like a god: his words are reliable. The instructions of the father should be complied with. (255-260)
Here is the bedrock of a peaceful family and a stable society.
Without suburbs a city has no center either. (261)
Don’t ignore the outsiders, those living on the fringe. Without the wheel, the hub is useless.
Black, J. A. (2004). The literature of ancient Sumer. Oxford ; New York, Oxford University Press.
Instruction of Shurupagg begins with a classic, fairy tale opening. Long ago, in a land far away, there ived…
In those days, in those far remote days, in those nights, in those far away nights, in those years, in those far remote years, at that time the wise one who knew how to speak in elaborate words lived in the Land; Shuruppag, the wise one, who knew how to speak with elaborate words lived in the Land. Shurppag gave instructions to his son; Shuruppag, the son of Ubara-Tutu, gave instruction to his son Ziud-sura… (32-34)
The setting for these proverbs is in the past, golden age when wise men spoke ‘with elaborate words’. This is like
There follows a list of proverbs, many of which are as applicable today as they were back then, over four millennia ago! I’ve selected a few and added a few clarifying comments.
The Instructions
A thief is a lion, but after he has been caught, he will be a slave. My son, you should not commit robbery, you should not cut yourself with an axe. (32-34)
In other words, committing theft is as stupid as cutting yourself with an axe!
You should not play around with a married young woman: the slander could be serious. My son, you should not sit alone in a chamber with a married woman. (32-34)
Avoid compromising situations. The flesh is weak!
You should not work using only your eyes; you will not multiply your possessions using only your mouth. (175-76)
In other words, the job will not get done by just talking about it!
By grasping the neck of a huge ox you, can cross the river. By moving along (?) at the side of the mighty men of your city, my son, you will certainly ascend (?). (189-92)
Make friends with your betters and allow them to teach you.
A woman with her own property ruins the house. (220)
I include this one as I think it shows how seemingly modern debates over gender roles go back a ways – like four millennia!
A loving heart maintains a family; a hateful heart destroy a family. (202-3)
You should not choose a wife during a festival. Her inside is illusory (?); her outside is illusory(?). (208-212)
Don’t fall for the girl who steals the show of the party. Take some time to get to know her when she is not putting on her best.
You should not buy a vicious bull. (213)
Nothing at all is to be valued, but life should be sweet. You should not serve things; things should serve you. My son… (242-4)
You should not speak arrogantly to your mother; that causes hatred for you. You should not question the words of your mother and your personal god. The mother, like Utu, gives birth to the man. The father, like a god, makes him bright (?). The father is like a god: his words are reliable. The instructions of the father should be complied with. (255-260)
Here is the bedrock of a peaceful family and a stable society.
Without suburbs a city has no center either. (261)
Don’t ignore the outsiders, those living on the fringe. Without the wheel, the hub is useless.
Black, J. A. (2004). The literature of ancient Sumer. Oxford ; New York, Oxford University Press.