8
For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years;
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but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age.
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There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, and while living among sinners he was taken up.
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He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul.
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For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
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Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
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for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness.
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Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God's grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
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The righteous man who had died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous man.
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For they will see the end of the wise man, and will not understand what the Lord purposed for him, and for what he kept him safe.
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They will see, and will have contempt for him, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. After this they will become dishonored corpses, and an outrage among the dead for ever;