3. Do not fear death’s decree for you;remember, it embraces those before you and those to come.
4. This decree for all flesh is from God;why then should you reject a law of the Most High?Whether one has lived a thousand years, a hundred, or ten,in Sheol there are no arguments about life.
5. The children of sinners are a reprobate line,and witless offspring are in the homes of the wicked.
6. The inheritance of children of sinners will perish,and on their offspring will be perpetual disgrace.
7. Children curse their wicked father,for they suffer disgrace because of him.
8. Woe to you, O wicked people,who forsake the Law of the Most High.
9. If you have children, calamity will be theirs;and if you beget them, it will be only for groaning.When you stumble, there is lasting joy;and when you die, you become a curse.
10. All that is nought returns to nought,so too the godless—from void to void.
11. The human body is a fleeting thing,but a virtuous name will never be annihilated.
12. Have respect for your name, for it will stand by youmore than thousands of precious treasures.
13. The good things of life last a number of days,but a good name, for days without number.
14b. Hidden wisdom and concealed treasure,of what value is either?
15. Better is the person who hides his follythan the one who hides his wisdom.
14a. My children, listen to instruction about shame;
16a. judge of disgrace according to my rules,
16b. Not every kind of shame is shameful,nor is every kind of disgrace to be recognized.