16 My son, let your tears fall over the dead,

and as one who suffers grievously, begin lamentation.

Wind up his body with due honour.

Don’t neglect his burial.

17 Make bitter weeping and make passionate wailing.

Let your mourning be according to his merit,

for one day or two, lest you be spoken evil of;

and so be comforted for your sorrow.

18 Because from sorrow comes death.

Sorrow of heart saps one’s strength.

19 In calamity, sorrow also remains.

A poor man’s life is grievous to the heart.

20 Don’t give your heart to sorrow.

Put it away, remembering the end.

21 Don’t forget it, for there is no returning again.

You do him no good, and you would harm yourself.

22 Remember his end, for so also will yours be:

yesterday for me, and today for you.

23 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest.

Be comforted for him when his spirit departs from him.