Wisdom 4:7-16

Revised Standard Version

⁷ But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
⁸ For old age is not honored for length of time,
nor measured by number of years;
⁹ but understanding is gray hair for men,
and a blameless life is ripe old age.

¹⁰ There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,
and while living among sinners he was taken up.
¹¹ He was caught up lest evil change his understanding
or guile deceive his soul.
¹² For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good,
and roving desire perverts the innocent mind.
¹³ Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
¹⁴ for his soul was pleasing to the Lord,
therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness.
¹⁵ Yet the peoples saw and did not understand,
nor take such a thing to heart,
that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect,
and he watches over his holy ones.