Concerning Death

1O death, how bitter is the thought of you

to one at peace among possessions,

who has nothing to worry about and is prosperous in everything,

and still is vigorous enough to enjoy food!

2O death, how welcome is your sentence

to one who is needy and failing in strength,

worn down by age and anxious about everything;

to one who is contrary, and has lost all patience!

3Do not fear death's decree for you;

remember those who went before you and those who will come after.

4This is the Lord's decree for all flesh;

why then should you reject the will of the Most High?

Whether life lasts for ten years or a hundred or a thousand,

there are no questions asked in Hades.

The Fate of the Wicked

5The children of sinners are abominable children,

and they frequent the haunts of the ungodly.

6The inheritance of the children of sinners will perish,

and on their offspring will be a perpetual disgrace.

7Children will blame an ungodly father,

for they suffer disgrace because of him.

8Woe to you, the ungodly,

who have forsaken the law of the Most High God!

9If you have children, calamity will be theirs;

you will beget them only for groaning.

When you stumble, there is lasting joy;41.9 Heb: Meaning of Gk uncertain

and when you die, a curse is your lot.

10Whatever comes from earth returns to earth;

so the ungodly go from curse to destruction.

11The human body is a fleeting thing,

but a virtuous name will never be blotted out.41.11 Heb: Gk People grieve over the death of the body, but the bad name of sinners will be blotted out

12Have regard for your name, since it will outlive you

longer than a thousand hoards of gold.

13The days of a good life are numbered,

but a good name lasts for ever.

14My children, be true to your training and be at peace;

hidden wisdom and unseen treasure—

of what value is either?

A Series of Contrasts

15Better are those who hide their folly

than those who hide their wisdom.

16Therefore show respect for my words;

for it is not good to feel shame in every circumstance,

nor is every kind of abashment to be approved.41.16 Heb: Gk and not everything is confidently esteemed by everyone

17Be ashamed of sexual immorality, before your father or mother;

and of a lie, before a prince or a ruler;

18of a crime, before a judge or magistrate;

and of a breach of the law, before the congregation and the people;

of unjust dealing, before your partner or your friend;

19and of theft, in the place where you live.

Be ashamed of breaking an oath or agreement,41.19 Heb: Gk before the truth of God and the covenant

and of leaning on your elbow at meals;

of surliness in receiving or giving,

20and of silence, before those who greet you;

of looking at a prostitute,

21and of rejecting the appeal of a relative;

of taking away someone's portion or gift,

and of gazing at another man's wife;

22of meddling with his servant-girl—

and do not approach her bed;

of abusive words, before friends—

and do not be insulting after making a gift.