⁷But the righteous, though they die early, will be at rest.
⁸For old age is not honoured for length of time,
or measured by number of years;
⁹but understanding is grey hair for anyone,
and a blameless life is ripe old age.

¹⁰There were some who pleased God and were loved by him,
and while living among sinners were taken up.
¹¹They were caught up so that evil might not change their understanding
or guile deceive their souls.
¹²For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,
and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
¹³Being perfected in a short time, they fulfilled long years;
¹⁴for their souls were pleasing to the Lord,
therefore he took them quickly from the midst of wickedness.
¹⁵Yet the peoples saw and did not understand,
or take such a thing to heart,
that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect,
and that he watches over his holy ones.