Wis 4

1 Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal:because it is known with God, and with men. 2 When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, they desire it: it wearsa crown, and triumphs for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards. 3 But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting frombastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation. 4 For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last, they shall beshaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out. 5 The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, not ripe to eat,yes, meet for nothing. 6 For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parentsin their trial. 7 But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. 8 For honorable age is not that which stands in length of time, nor that is measured bynumber of years. 9 But wisdom is the gray hair to men, and an unspotted life is old age. 10 He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among sinners he was translated. 11 Yes speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding,or deceit decieve his soul. 12 For the bewitching of naughtiness does obscure things that are honest; and the wanderingof concupiscence does undermine the simple mind. 13 He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time: 14 For his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take him away from among the wicked. 15 This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they up this in their minds,That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he has respect to his chosen. 16 Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which are living; and youththat is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous. 17 For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what God in his counselhas decreed of him, and to what end the Lord has set him in safety. 18 They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn: and they shallhereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach among the dead for evermore. 19 For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speechless; andhe shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and theirmemorial shall perish. 20 And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall come with fear: and theirown iniquities shall convince them to their face.