To set forth proof of this assertion even in barest outline would involve technicalities that might be wearisome. We give therefore but two or three points in illustration. Perhaps the most interesting, and for Gentile readers the most accessible, source of evidence is a work of the first and second century A.D., a compendium of the ethical ideas and ideals of certain famous Jewish teachers, bearing the title _Pirke Aboth_, that is _The Sayings of the Fathers_.[90] Throughout this treatise the influence of the Wisdom writings is clearly indicated by the sententious style that characterises the several _Sayings_, as well as by the numerous direct references to _Proverbs_. A few quotations will bring this out, and at the same time illustrate the high ideals, curiously but often very attractively expressed, of which the book is full:-- _Ben Zoma said, “Who is mighty? He who subdues his nature, for it is written ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty’_ (Pr. 16^{32})._”_[91] _Antigonous of Soko used to say, “Be not like servants who work for their Lord with a view to receiving recompense, but be as slaves that minister without seeking for reward, and let the fear of heaven be upon you.”_[92] _Rabbi Chananiah said_--something that might have averted the European war, and made Germany a blessing instead of a curse, had her rulers and thinkers accepted his deep counsel!--_“Whenever in any man his fear of sin comes before his wisdom his wisdom endures, but whensoever a man’s wisdom comes before his fear of sin his wisdom doth not endure._”[93] _Rabbi Judah ben Thema said, “Be bold as a leopard, and swift as an eagle, and fleet as a hart, and strong as a lion to do the will of thy Father which is in heaven.”_[94] And there was Rabbi Samuel the Little, who chose for his life’s motto just one verse of _Proverbs_ (24^{17}), and added thereto no word in comment: “_Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth_.”[95] So the topic might be pursued, and from _Midrash_ and _Talmud_ might be drawn examples in plenty, both references to the ancient proverbs and quotations of new ones--words of wit and humour, of prudence and fine idealism--applied to all manner of human intercourse, and witnessing abundantly that in Israel Wisdom was still known of her children. Space must be found for just these three observations on married life: _Whose wife dies in his lifetime, the world becomes dark for him_ (C. 55)[96]. _He who loves his wife as himself and honours her more than himself_ ... it is _of him the Scripture saith “Thou shalt know that thy tent is in peace”_ (C. 55). And, lastly, this gentle and subtle saying:-- _If thy wife be short, bend down and whisper to her_ (C. 55).