2
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction,
3
and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace.
4
For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality.
5
Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
6
like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.
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.