7But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
8For old age is not honoured for length of time,
nor measured by number of years;
9but understanding is gray hair for men,
and a blameless life is ripe old age.
10There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,
and while living among sinners he was taken up.
11He was caught up lest evil change his understanding
or guile deceive his soul.
12For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,
and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
13Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
14for his soul was pleasing to the Lord,
therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness.
15Yet 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.
16The 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.
17For 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.
18They will see, and will have contempt for him,
but the Lord will laugh them to scorn.
After this they will become dishonoured corpses,
and an outrage among the dead for ever;
19because he will dash them speechless to the ground,
and shake them from the foundations;
they will be left utterly dry and barren,
and they will suffer anguish,
and the memory of them will perish.
20They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up,
and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face.
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