1 It is better to be childless with virtue, for immortality is in the memory of virtue, because it is recognized both before God and before men. (WEB) 2 When it is present, people imitate it. They long after it when it has departed. Throughout all time it marches, crowned in triumph, victorious in the competition for the prizes that are undefiled. (WEB) 3 But the multiplying brood of the ungodly will be of no profit, and their illegitimate offshoots won’t take deep root, nor will they establish a sure hold. (WEB) 4 For even if they grow branches and flourish for a season, standing unsure, they will be shaken by the wind. They will be uprooted by the violence of winds. (WEB) 5 Their branches will be broken off before they come to maturity. Their fruit will be useless, never ripe to eat, and fit for nothing. (WEB) 6 For unlawfully conceived children are witnesses of wickedness against parents when they are investigated. (WEB) 7 But a righteous man, even if he dies before his time, will be at rest. (WEB) 8 For honorable old age is not that which stands in length of time, nor is its measure given by number of years, (WEB) 9 but understanding is gray hair to men, and an unspotted life is ripe old age. (WEB) 10 Being found well-pleasing to God, someone was loved. While living among sinners he was transported. (WEB) 11 He was caught away, lest evil should change his understanding, or guile deceive his soul. (WEB) 12 For the fascination of wickedness obscures the things which are good, and the whirl of desire perverts an innocent mind. (WEB) 13 Being made perfect quickly, he filled a long time; (WEB) 14 for his soul was pleasing to the Lord. Therefore he hurried out of the midst of wickedness. (WEB) 15 But the peoples saw and didn’t understand, not considering this, that grace and mercy are with his chosen, and that he visits his holy ones; (WEB) 16 but a righteous man who is dead will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth who is quickly perfected will condemn the many years of an unrighteous man’s old age. (WEB) 17 For the ungodly will see a wise man’s end, and won’t understand what the Lord planned for him, and why he safely kept him. (WEB) 18 They will see, and they will despise; but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. After this, they will become a dishonored carcass and a reproach among the dead forever; (WEB) 19 because he will dash them speechless to the ground, and will shake them from the foundations. They will lie utterly waste. They will be in anguish and their memory will perish. (WEB) 20 They will come with coward fear when their sins are counted. Their lawless deeds will convict them to their face. (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 4:1–20
Semantically similar passages
Wisdom of Solomon 3:16–18
16 But children of adulterers will not come to maturity. The seed of an unlawful union will vanish away. (WEB) 17 For if they live long, they will not be esteemed, and in the end, their old age will be without honor. (WEB) 18 If they die young, they will have no hope, nor consolati… (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 8:12–14
12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. 13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not len…
Wisdom of Solomon 3:3–5
3 and their travel away from us ruin, but they are in peace. (WEB) 4 For even if in the sight of men they are punished, their hope is full of immortality. (WEB) 5 Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good; because God tested them, and found them worthy of hi… (WEB)
2 Baruch 15:2–4
2 man, but thou hast not judged well regarding the evils which befall those who sin. And as regards (2BA) 3 what thou hast said, that the righteous are carried off and the impious are prospered, And as (2BA) 4 regards what thou hast said "Man knows not Thy judgement" -- On this… (2BA)
Book of Enoch 94:10–11
10 Thus I speak and declare unto you: He who hath created you will overthrow you, And for your fall there shall be no compassion, And your Creator will rejoice at your destruction. (ENO) 11 And your righteous ones in those days shall be A reproach to the sinners and the g… (ENO)
Job 36:13–15
13 The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help. 14 They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes. 15 God rescues the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression.
2 Baruch 82:5–7
5 And we see the firmness of their might. Though they resist the Mighty One every hour, But they shall be accounted as spittle. (2BA) 6 And we consider the glory of their greatness, Though they do not keep the statutes of the Most High, But as smoke shall they pass away. (2BA)
Book of Enoch 97:1–2
1 Believe, ye righteous, that the sinners will become a shame And perish in the day of unrighteousness. (ENO) 2 Be it known unto you (ye sinners) that the Most High is mindful of your destruction, And the angels of heaven rejoice over your destruction. (ENO)
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