Wisdom of Solomon 4 — DRA
4Verse 1O how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory: for the memory thereof is immortal: because it is known both with God and with men.Verse 2When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts.Verse 3But the multiplied brood of the wicked shall not thrive, and bastard slips shall not take deep root, nor any fast foundation.Verse 4And 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.Verse 5For the branches not being perfect, shall be broken, and their fruits shall be unprofitable, and sour to eat, and fit for nothing.Verse 6For the children that are born of unlawful beds, are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.Verse 7But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest.Verse 8For 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.Verse 9And a spotless life is old age.Verse 10He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners he was translated.Verse 11He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.Verse 12For the bewitching of vanity obscureth good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturneth the innocent mind.Verse 13Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time:Verse 14For 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:Verse 15That the grace of God, and his mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect to his chosen.Verse 16But the just that is dead, condemneth the wicked that are living, and youth soon ended, the long life of the unjust.Verse 17For 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.Verse 18They shall see him, and shall despise him: but the Lord shall laugh them to scorn.Verse 19And 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.Verse 20They shall come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them.