Wisdom of Solomon 4

1Better than this is childlessness with virtue,

for in the memory of virtuea is immortality,

because it is known both by God and by men.

2When it is present, men imitateb it,

and they long for it when it has gone;

and 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.c

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

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

nor measured by number of years;

9but understanding is gray hair for men,

and a blameless life is ripe old age.

10There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,

and while living among sinners he was taken up.

11He was caught up lest evil change his understanding

or guile deceive his soul.

12For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,

and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.

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

14for his soul was pleasing to the Lord,

therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness.

15Yet the peoples saw and did not understand,

nor take such a thing to heart,

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

and he watches over his holy ones.