1
Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations.
2
The Lord apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning.
3
There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and made a name for themselves by their valor; those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; those who spoke in prophetic oracles;
4
those who led the people by their counsels and by their knowledge of the people's lore; they were wise in their words of instruction;
5
those who composed musical tunes, or put verses in writing;
6
rich men endowed with resources, living peacefully in their homes—
7
all these were honored in their generations, and were the pride of their times.
8
Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise.
9
But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them.