Wisdom of Solomon 3

1 The souls of the righteous are in God’s hand, and no torment will ever touch them. 2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was considered suffering. 3 Their journey away from us was considered ruin, but they are at peace. 4 Even if they are punished in human sight, their hope is full of immortality. † 5 After being disciplined a little, they will receive great benefits, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself. 6 He tested them like gold in a smelting furnace and accepted them like a whole burnt sacrifice.

7 At their time of reckoning they will shine and run like sparks through stubble. 8 They will judge nations and govern peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. 9 Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will remain with him in love, because favor and mercy are for his chosen.

10 But the ungodly will receive punishment according to their own reasoning, because they neglected the righteous and turned away from the Lord. 11 Those who despise wisdom and instruction are wretched. Their hope is empty, their labors are unprofitable, and their works are useless. 12 Their wives are foolish, their children are evil, and their offspring is cursed.

13 But blessed is the undefiled barren woman who has not known a bed of sin; she will bear fruit when souls are called to account. 14 Blessed also is the eunuch who has committed no lawless deed with his hands and conceived no evil against the Lord. He will receive choice favor for his faithfulness and a more pleasing portion in the Lord’s temple. 15 The fruit of good labor is glorious, and the root of discernment never fails.

16 But the children of adulterers will not reach maturity, and offspring from an unlawful bed will vanish. 17 Even if they live a long time, they will be counted as nothing, and their old age will be without honor at the end. 18 If they die quickly, they will have no hope and no comfort on the day of decision. 19 The end of an unrighteous generation is grievous.