2
When it is present, people imitate it, and they long for it when it has gone; 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, 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.