1Better is childlessness with virtue; for immortal is the memory of virtue, acknowledged both by God and human beings.
2When it is present people imitate it, and they long for it when it is gone; Forever it marches crowned in triumph, victorious in unsullied deeds of valor.
3But the numerous progeny of the wicked shall be of no avail; their spurious offshoots shall not strike deep root nor take firm hold.
4For even though their branches flourish for a time, they are unsteady and shall be rocked by the wind and, by the violence of the winds, uprooted;
5Their twigs shall be broken off untimely, their fruit useless, unripe for eating, fit for nothing.
6For children born of lawless unions give evidence of the wickedness of their parents, when they are examined.
7C. On Early Death - But the righteous one, though he die early, shall be at rest.
8For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years.
9Rather, understanding passes for gray hair, and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age.
10The one who pleased God was loved, living among sinners, was transported—
11Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul;
12For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.
13Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career;
14for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take that consideration into account.