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.
21
Do not forget, there is no coming back; you do the dead no good, and you injure yourself.
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.