This excerpt from "The First Book of Adam and Eve" presents an ancient account of what happened to Adam and Eve after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, offering a sequel to the Genesis narrative. It describes their struggles in the harsh new world, their experiences with darkness and physical limitations, and God's continued interactions and promises to them. The text highlights the theme of humanity's conflict with evil and the consequences of sin, while also containing an early prophecy of the coming of Christ to redeem mankind. The document asserts the work's historical and literary significance, suggesting it reflects widespread ancient beliefs about the origin of humanity and the nature of good and evil.

This ancient text urges rulers to embrace righteousness and seek God with sincere hearts, emphasizing that divine wisdom and presence are found by those who are faithful, not those who test or doubt. It warns that wickedness and deceit separate individuals from God, as divine wisdom avoids such individuals and actions. The passage highlights God's omnipresence and awareness of all deeds and words, assuring that those who speak or act wickedly will face consequences. It ultimately connects righteousness with immortality and affirms that God created life, not death, suggesting that death is invited by the actions of the wicked.

This text describes the fate of the righteous and the wicked in the eyes of God. It posits that the suffering of the devout is temporary and ultimately leads to great blessing, likening them to refined gold and favored offerings. Their hope is in immortality and a future where they will be elevated. Conversely, it states that the wicked will face just punishment due to their disregard for righteousness, describing their endeavors as futile and their descendants as accursed. Finally, the text asserts that childlessness in righteousness is favored over the offspring of the wicked, indicating a divine preference for spiritual fruitfulness over physical lineage born of transgression.