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The Book of Wisdon
Chapter 4
The difference between the chaste and the adulterous generations: and between the death of the just and the wicked.
 1 |
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When it is present, they imitate it: and they desire it, when it hath withdrawn itself, and it triumpheth crowned for ever, winning the reward of undefiled conflicts.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 it 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. |
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