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The Principles of Ma'at
Written at least 2,000 years before the Ten Commandments of Moses, the 42 Principles of Ma'at are one of Africa's, and the world's, oldest sources of moral and spiritual instruction. Ma'at, the Ancient Egyptian divine Principle of Truth, Justice, and Righteousness, is the foundation of natural and social order and unity. Ancient Africans developed a humane system of thought and conduct which has been recorded in volumes of African wisdom literature, such as, these declarations from the Book of Coming Forth By Day (the so-called Book of the Dead), The Teachings of Ptah-Hotep, the writings of Ani, Amenemope, Merikare, and others.
Today, we can use these principles as a practical guide to moral and spiritual excellence, and to uplift our community.
Let your life be an example and live justly, for if Justice remains a firm foundation, your children will prosper,
The teachings of Ptah-hotep, 2370 B.C
I have not done iniquity. I have not robbed with violence. I have not stolen. I have not made any to suffer pain. I have not defrauded offerings. I have done no murder nor bid anyone to slay on my behalf. I have not trimmed the measure. I have not spoken lies I have not robbed God. I have not caused the shedding of tears. I have not dealt deceitfully. I have not acted guilefully. I have not laid waste to the land. I have not set my lips against anyone. I have not been angry or wrathful without a just cause. I have not lusted nor defiled the wife of any man. I have not polluted myself. I have not caused terror. I have not done that which is abominable. I have not multiplied words exceedingly. I have never uttered fiery words. I have not judged hastily. I have not transgressed nor have I vexed or angered God. I have not stopped my ears against the words of Right and Truth . I have not burned with rage. I have not worked grief. I have not acted with insolence. I have not avenged myself. I have not stirred up strife. I have not been an eavesdropper. I have not wronged the people I have done no harm nor have I done evil I have not worked treason. I have never fouled the water. I have not spoken scornfully. I have never cursed God. I have not behaved with arrogance. I have not envied or craved for that which belongs to another. I have not filched food from the mouth of the infant. I have done no hurt unto man, nor wrought harm unto beasts. I have never magnified my condition beyond what was fitting.
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