1
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue; for the memorial thereof is immortal, because it is approved with God and with men.
2
When it is present, men take example from 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 fast, 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 dies untimely, yet shall he be at rest.
8
For honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor what is measured by number of years.
9
But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.