The King James Version Bible

Wisdom of Solomon 4:1-10

  1. Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and with men.

  2. When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is gone, they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.

  3. But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.

  4. For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out.

  5. The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.

  6. For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of wickedness against their parents in their trial.

  7. But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.

  8. For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.

  9. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.

  10. He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among sinners he was translated.