7But the righteous one, though he die early, shall be at rest.d

8For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time,e

nor can it be measured in terms of years.

9Rather, understanding passes for gray hair,

and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age.

10* The one who pleased God was loved,f

living among sinners, was transported—

11Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind

or deceit beguile his soul;g

12For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right

and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind.h

13Having become perfect in a short while,

he reached the fullness of a long career;

14for his soul was pleasing to the Lord,

therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness.i

But the people saw and did not understand,

nor did they take that consideration into account.*

16Yes, the righteous one who has died will condemn

the sinful who live;

And youth, swiftly completed, will condemn

the many years of the unrighteous who have grown old.j

17For they will see the death of the wise one

and will not understand what the Lord intended,

or why he kept him safe.

18They will see, and hold him in contempt;

but the Lord will laugh them to scorn.k

19And they shall afterward become dishonored corpsesl

and an unceasing mockery among the dead.

For he shall strike them down speechless and prostratem

and rock them to their foundations;

They shall be utterly laid waste

and shall be in grief

and their memory shall perish.

20Fearful shall they come, at the counting up of their sins,

and their lawless deeds shall convict them to their face.