49
For as an infant does not bring forth, and a woman who has become old does not bring forth any longer, so have I organized the world which I created."
50
Then I inquired and said, "Since thou hast now given me the opportunity, let me speak before thee. Is our mother, of whom thou hast told me, still young? Or is she now approaching old age?"
51
He replied to me, "Ask a woman who bears children, and she will tell you.
52
Say to her, "Why are those whom you have borne recently not like those whom you bore before, but smaller in stature?'
53
And she herself will answer you, `Those born in the strength of youth are different from those born during the time of old age, when the womb is failing.'
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.