| 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| 2 | When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts.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. |
