16
My son, let your tears fall for the dead, and as one who is suffering grievously begin the lament. Lay out his body with the honor due him, and do not neglect his burial.
17
Let your weeping be bitter and your wailing fervent; observe the mourning according to his merit, for one day, or two, to avoid criticism; then be comforted for your sorrow.
18
For sorrow results in death, and sorrow of heart saps one's strength.
19
In calamity sorrow continues, and the life of the poor man weighs down his heart.
20
Do not give your heart to sorrow; drive it away, remembering the end of life.
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.