1 It is better to have no children, and to have virtue,
For the remembrance of it is forever;
Because it is known with Elohim, and with men.
2 When it is present, men take example from it;
And when it is gone, they desire it.
It wears a crown, and overcomes forever,
Having overcome, striving for undefiled rewards.
3 But the multiplying brood of the wicked shall not thrive,
Nor take deep root by illegitimate seed,
Nor lay any lasting foundation.
4 For though they flourish as branches for a time;
Though standing – not last, they shall be shaken by the wind,
And through the force of winds they shall be uprooted.
5 The imperfect branches shall be broken off,
Their fruit unprofitable – not ripe to eat,
Also of no use.
6 For children brought forth by lawless beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.
7 But though the righteous be prevented by death,
Yet he shall be at rest.
8 For esteemed age is not that which stands in length of time,
Nor measured by number of years.
9 But wisdom is the grey hair unto men,
And an unstained life is old age.
10 He pleased Elohim, and was loved by Him;
So that living among sinners he was translated.
11 Indeed, was he taken away speedily,
Lest wickedness should alter his understanding,
Or deceit deceive his being.
12 For the enticement of greed obscures that which is honest;
And the wandering of desire undermines the simple minded.
13 He, being made perfect in a short time, filled a long time;
14 For his being pleased 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
Therefore He hastened to take him away from among the wicked.
15 This the people saw, but did not understand,
Neither did they lay up this in their minds:
That His favour and kindness is with His qodeshim,
And that He shows respect to His chosen.
16 Thus the righteous who are dead shall condemn the wicked who are living;
And youth that is soon perfected;
The many years and old age of the unrighteous.
17 For they shall see the end of the wise,
And shall not understand what Elohim in
His counsel has decreed for Him,
And to what end 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 has put Him in safety.
18 They shall see Him, and despise Him;
But Elohim shall laugh them to scorn.
And from then on they shall be an insignificant carcass,
And a reproach among the dead forever.
19 For He shall tear them, and throw them down headlong,
that they shall be speechless;
And He shall shake them from the foundation;
And they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow;
And their remembrance shall perish.
20 And when they draw up the account of their sins,
they shall come with fear;
And their own wickednesses shall convict them to their face.