3
There were some who ruled kingdoms, and some who were known for their strength. Some were wise advisers, and some spoke prophecies.
4
There were statesmen whose policies governed the people, rulers who issued decrees, scholars who spoke wise words, and those who used pointed proverbs,
5
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.
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But we will praise these godly men, whose righteous deeds have never been forgotten.
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Their reputations will be passed on to their descendants, and this will be their inheritance.
12
Their descendants continue to keep the covenant and always will, because of what their ancestors did.
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Their family line will go on forever, and their fame will never fade.