| Chapter 4 |
1 |
O how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men. --
|
2 |
When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts. --
|
3 |
But the multiplied brood of the wicked shall not thrive, and bastard slips shall not take deep root, nor any fast foundation. --
|
4 |
And if they flourish in branches for a time, yet standing not fast, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out. --
|
5 |
For the branches not being perfect, shall be broken, and their fruits shall be unprofitable, and sour to eat, and fit for nothing. --
|
6 |
For the children that are born of unlawful beds, are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial. --
|
7 |
But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest. --
|
8 |
For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs. --
|
9 |
And a spotless life is old age. --
|
10 |
He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners he was translated. --
|
11 |
He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. --
|
12 |
For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind. --
|
13 |
Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time: --
|
14 |
For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities: but the people see this, and understand not, nor lay up such things in their hearts: --
|
15 |
That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen. --
|
16 |
But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust. --
|
17 |
For they shall see the end of the wise man, and shall not understand what God hath designed for him, and why the Lord hath set him in safety. --
|
18 |
They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn. --
|
19 |
And they shall fall after this without honour, and be a reproach among the dead for ever: for he shall burst them puffed up and speechless, and shall shake them from the foundations, and they shall be utterly laid waste: they shall be in sorrow, and their memory shall perish. --
|
20 |
They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them. --
|