1
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.
2
When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.
3
But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.
4
For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.
5
The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.
6
For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.
7
But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.
8
For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.
9
But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.