1Better is childlessness with virtue, for there is immortality in its memory, because it is recognized both by God and by men.
2When it is present, they imitate it, and when it is gone, they long for it; and through all time it marches in procession, crowned, having won the contest for undefiled prizes.
3But the prolific multitude of the ungodly will be of no use; and springing from bastard slips, it will not send its root deep, nor will it establish a secure foundation.
4For even if it flourishes with branches for a time, standing insecurely it will be shaken by the wind, and by the violence of winds it will be uprooted.
5The immature branches will be broken off, and their fruit will be useless—unripe for eating and fit for nothing.
6For children born of lawless unions are witnesses to the wickedness of their parents when they are examined.
7But a righteous person, even if he dies an early death, will be at rest.
8For honorable old age is not that of long duration, nor is it measured by the number of years.
9But wisdom is gray hair to men, and a spotless life is a ripe old age.
10Having become well-pleasing to God, he was loved, and while living among sinners, he was taken away.
11He was snatched away, lest wickedness alter his understanding or deceit beguile his soul.
12For the bewitchment of wickedness obscures what is noble, and the whirlwind of passion perverts an innocent mind.
13Perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years.
14For his soul was pleasing to the Lord; therefore He hurried him from the midst of wickedness. But the peoples, seeing and not understanding, nor taking such a thing to heart—
15—that grace and mercy are for his chosen ones, and his visitation is for his holy ones.
16So the righteous one who has died will condemn the living ungodly, and youth quickly perfected will condemn the long old age of the unrighteous.
17For they will see the end of the wise one, and will not understand what the Lord planned for him, and for what purpose He kept him safe.
18They will see and will hold him in contempt, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn.
19And after this they will become a dishonored corpse, and an object of scorn among the dead forever. Because He will dash them speechless and headlong, and shake them from their foundations; they will be utterly laid waste and will be in anguish, and their memory will perish.
20They will come, fearful, at the reckoning of their sins, and their own lawless deeds will convict them to their face.
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