Four thousand years before the Psalms, one gifted father wrote down his wisdom for his son. The Instructions of Shuruppak is the oldest book of advice in the world, a gathering of short, practical sayings spoken by the Sumerian sage-king Shuruppak to Ziusudra, the man who would one day survive the great flood. Its counsel is surprisingly familiar: keep your tongue gentle, do not quarrel, watch your words before witnesses, work your field carefully, be moderate in wine, and think twice before you buy a braying donkey. This living modern-English edition renders the ancient cuneiform sayings in present-day language while staying faithful to their meaning and spirit. An introduction, background notes, and a glossary open the door for new readers, and the carefully shaped chapters make this oldest classic feel like a quiet conversation with a wise elder. Every page invites you into the dawn of human wisdom. Part of The World Scriptures Library.