1
Better is childlessness with virtue, for the remembrance of virtue is immortal, because it is known both before Elohim and before Adam.
2
When it is present, they imitate it, and when it is absent, they desire it. And through eternity it walks crowned in triumph, having conquered in contests undefiled.
3
But the multiplying offspring of the wicked shall not prosper, nor take deep root from unlawful shoots, nor establish a firm foundation.
4
For even if for a time they flourish in branches, yet because they are not firmly planted, they shall be shaken by wind and uprooted by the force of storms.
5
Their unfinished branches shall be broken, their fruit shall be useless, unripe for eating and fit for nothing.
6
For sons born from unlawful unions are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in the examination of Judgment.
7
But though the righteous dies before his time, he shall be at rest.
8
For honorable age is not measured by length of time, nor is it counted by number of years.
9
But wisdom is gray hair for Adam, and an undefiled life is fullness of age.
10
Having pleased Elohim, he was loved, and while living among sinners he was taken away.
11
He was seized away lest evil change his understanding, or deceit mislead his being.
12
For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and the wandering of desire turns aside an innocent mind.
13
Having been made whole in a short time, he fulfilled long years.
14
For his being was pleasing to Yahuah; therefore He hastened to bring him out from among wickedness. But the peoples saw and did not understand, nor set this matter upon their hearts:
15
that favor and compassion are with His chosen, and His visitation is upon His holy ones.
16
The righteous one who has died shall condemn the wicked who live, and youth brought quickly to completion shall condemn the many years of the unrighteous.
17
For they shall see the end of the wise, yet they shall not understand what Yahuah purposed for him or why He placed him in safety.
18
They shall see and despise him, but Yahuah shall laugh them to scorn.
19
And afterward they shall become a dishonored corpse and a reproach among the dead forever. For He shall cast them down speechless and headlong, and shake them from their foundations. They shall be utterly desolated, they shall be in anguish, and their remembrance shall perish.
20
They shall come in fear when their sins are reckoned, and their lawless deeds shall stand against them and convict them.