The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon 2

1For they said within themselves, reasoning not aright, Or, among gave release from Hades. Or, returned out of Hades 2Because by mere chance were we born, while our heart beats reason is a spark, Or, reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our heart 3Which being extinguished, the body will be turned into ashes, 4And our name will be forgotten in time, overcome by the heat thereof. Gr. weighed down. 5For our alloted time is the passing of a shadow, our end retreats not; Or, there is no putting back of our end turns it back. Or, comes again 6Come therefore and let us enjoy the good things that Or, that are now are; with all our soul Gr. earnestly. as youth’s Some authorities read even as our youth. possession. 7Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and perfumes; spring pass us by: Some authorities read air. 8Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered: 9Let none of us go without his share in our proud revelry: our mirth: 10Let us oppress the righteous poor; 11But let our strength be to us a law of righteousness; found to be of no service. Gr. convicted. 12But let us lie in wait for the righteous man, the law, Or, law 13He professes to have knowledge of God, servant of the Lord. Or, child 14He became to us a reproof of our thoughts. 15He is grievous to us even to behold, 16We were accounted of him as worthless metal, 17Let us see if his words be true, life. 18For if the righteous man is God’s son, he will uphold him, 19With outrage and torture let us put him to the test, 20Let us condemn him to a shameful death; he will be visited according to his words. Gr. there will be a visitation of him out of his words. 21Thus reasoned they, and they were led astray; wickedness blinded them, Or, malice 22And they knew not the mysteries of God, that there is a prize for blameless souls. 23Because God created man for incorruption, proper being; Some authorities read everlastingness. 24But by the envy of the devil death entered into the world,