3:1 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
3:2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction
3:3 and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.
3:4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality;
3:5 Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
3:6 As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
3:7 In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
3:8 They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever.
3:9 Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.
3:10 But the wicked shall receive a punishment to match their thoughts, since they neglected justice and forsook the LORD.
3:11 For he who despises wisdom and instruction is doomed. Vain is their hope, fruitless are their labors, and worthless are their works.
3:12 Their wives are foolish and their children wicked; accursed is their brood.
3:13 Yes, blessed is she who, childless and undefiled, knew not transgression of the marriage bed; she shall bear fruit at the visitation of souls.
3:14 So also the eunuch whose hand wrought no misdeed, who held no wicked thoughts against the LORD- For he shall be given fidelity’s choice reward and a more gratifying heritage in the LORD’s temple.
3:15 For the fruit of noble struggles is a glorious one; and unfailing is the root of understanding.
3:16 But the children of adulterers will remain without issue, and the progeny of an unlawful bed will disappear.
3:17 For should they attain long life, they will be held in no esteem, and dishonored will their old age be at last;
3:18 While should they die abruptly, they have no hope nor comfort in the day of scrutiny;
3:19 for dire is the end of the wicked generation.