1Better than this is childlessness with virtue,

for in the memory of virtue4.1 Gk it is immortality,

because it is known both by God and by mortals.

2When it is present, people imitate4.2 Other ancient authorities read honour it,

and they long for it when it has gone;

throughout all time it marches, crowned in triumph,

victor in the contest for prizes that are undefiled.

3But the prolific brood of the ungodly will be of no use,

and none of their illegitimate seedlings will strike a deep root

or take a firm hold.

4For even if they put forth boughs for a while,

standing insecurely they will be shaken by the wind,

and by the violence of the winds they will be uprooted.

5The branches will be broken off before they come to maturity,

and their fruit will be useless,

not ripe enough to eat, and good for nothing.

6For children born of unlawful unions

are witnesses of evil against their parents when God examines them.4.6 Gk at their examination

7But the righteous, though they die early, will be at rest.

8For old age is not honoured for length of time,

or measured by number of years;

9but understanding is grey hair for anyone,

and a blameless life is ripe old age.

10There were some who pleased God and were loved by him,

and while living among sinners were taken up.

11They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding

or guile deceive their souls.

12For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,

and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.

13Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years;

14for their souls were pleasing to the Lord,

therefore he took them quickly from the midst of wickedness.

15Yet the peoples saw and did not understand,

or take such a thing to heart,

that God's grace and mercy are with his elect,

and that he watches over his holy ones.

The Triumph of the Righteous

16The righteous who have died will condemn the ungodly who are living,

and youth that is quickly perfected4.16 Or ended will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous.

17For they will see the end of the wise,

and will not understand what the Lord purposed for them,

and for what he kept them safe.

18The unrighteous4.18 Gk They will see, and will have contempt for them,

but the Lord will laugh them to scorn.

After this they will become dishonoured corpses,

and an outrage among the dead for ever;

19because he will dash them speechless to the ground,

and shake them from the foundations;

they will be left utterly dry and barren,

and they will suffer anguish,

and the memory of them will perish.

The Final Judgement

20They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up,

and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face.