1
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them.
2
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:
3
And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace.
4
And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality.
5
Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself.
6
As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them.
7
The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds.
8
They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.
9
They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect.
10
But the wicked shall be punished according to their own devices: who have neglected the just, and have revolted from the Lord.
11
For he that rejecteth wisdom, and discipline, is unhappy: and their hope is vain, and their labours without fruit, and their works unprofitable.
12
Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked.
13
Their offspring is cursed: for happy is the barren: and the undefiled, that hath not known bed in sin: she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls.
14
And the eunuch, that hath not wrought iniquity with his hands, nor thought wicked things against God: for the precious gift of faith shall be given to him, and a most acceptable lot in the temple of God.
15
For the fruit of good labours is glorious, and the root of wisdom never faileth.