2Come near, O sons of Jacob, and give ear to the words of Israel your father.
3Reuben, you are my oldest son, the first-fruit of my strength, first in pride and first in power:
4But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his bride-bed, and made it unclean.
5Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.
6Take no part in their secrets, O my soul; keep far away, O my heart, from their meetings; for in their wrath they put men to death, and for their pleasure even oxen were wounded.
7A curse on their passion for it was bitter; and on their wrath for it was cruel. I will let their heritage in Jacob be broken up, driving them from their places in Israel.
8To you, Judah, will your brothers give praise: your hand will be on the neck of your haters; your father's sons will go down to the earth before you.