1
Better than this is childlessness with virtue, for in the memory of virtue is immortality, because it is known both by God and by men.
2
When it is present, men imitate it, and they long for it when it has gone; and throughout all time it marches crowned in triumph, victor in the contest for prizes that are undefiled.
3
But the prolific brood of the ungodly will be of no use, and none of their illegitimate seedlings will strike a deep root or take a firm hold.
4
For even if they put forth boughs for a while, standing insecurely they will be shaken by the wind, and by the violence of the winds they will be uprooted.
5
The branches will be broken off before they come to maturity, and their fruit will be useless, not ripe enough to eat, and good for nothing.
6
For children born of unlawful unions are witnesses of evil against their parents when God examines them.
7
But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
8
For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years;
9
but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age.
10
There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, and while living among sinners he was taken up.