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, though they die early, will be at rest.
8
For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years;
9
but understanding is gray hair for anyone, and a blameless life is ripe old age.
10
There were some who pleased God and were loved by him, and while living among sinners were taken up.
11
They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding or guile deceive their souls.
12
For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
13
Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years;
14
for their souls were pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took them quickly from the midst of wickedness.
15
Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, or take such a thing to heart, that God's grace and mercy are with his elect, and that he watches over his holy ones.