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So let us now give praise to godly men, our ancestors of generations past,
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those whom the Lord honored with great glory, in whom his greatness has been seen from the beginning of time.
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There were some who ruled kingdoms, and some who were known for their strength. Some were wise advisers, and some spoke prophecies.
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There were statesmen whose policies governed the people, rulers who issued decrees, scholars who spoke wise words, and those who used pointed proverbs,
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poets, and composers of music,
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rich and powerful men living peacefully at home.
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All of these were famous in their own times, honored by the people of their day.
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Some of them left a reputation, and people still praise them today.
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There are others who are not remembered, as if they had never lived, who died and were forgotten, they, and their children after them.