Open English Translation WIS Chapter 3

3 But the souls of the righteous are in God’s hand,

and no torment will touch them.

2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died.

Their departure was considered a disaster,

3 and their travel away from us ruin,

but they’re in peace.

4 Because even if in the sight of men they’re punished,

their hope is full of immortality.

5 Having borne a little chastening, they’ll receive great good;

because God tested them, and found them worthy of himself.

6 He tested them like gold in the furnace,

and he accepted them as a whole burnt offering.

7 In the time of their visitation they’ll shine.

They’ll run back and forth like sparks among stubble.

8 They’ll judge nations and have dominion over peoples.

The master will reign over them forever.

9 Those who trust him will understand truth.

The faithful will live with him in love,

because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones.

10 But the ungodly will be punished even as their reasoning deserves,

those who neglected righteousness and revolted from the master;

11 for he who despises wisdom and discipline is miserable.

Their hope is void and their toils unprofitable.

Their works are useless.

12 Their wives are foolish and their children are wicked.

13 Their descendants are cursed.

Because the barren woman who’s undefiled is happy,

she who hasn’t conceived in transgression.

She’ll have fruit when God examines souls.

14 So is the eunuch which has done no lawless deed with his hands,

nor imagined wicked things against the master;

for a precious gift will be given to him for his faithfulness,

and a delightful inheritance in the master’s sanctuary.

15 Because good labours have fruit of great renown.

The root of understanding can’t fail.

16 But children of adulterers won’t come to maturity.

The seed of an unlawful union will vanish away.

17 Because if they live long, they won’t be esteemed,

and in the end, their old age will be without honour.

18 If they die young, they’ll have no hope,

nor consolation in the day of judgement.

19 Because the end of an unrighteous generation is always grievous.