2:16. We are esteemed by him as triflers, and he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness, and he preferreth the latter end of the just, and glorieth that he hath God for his father. 2:17. Let us see then if his words be true, and let us prove what shall happen to him, and we shall know what his end shall be. 2:18. For if he be the true son of God, he will defend him, and will deliver him from the hands of his enemies. 2:19. Let us examine him by outrages and tortures, that we may know his meekness, and try his patience. 2:20. Let us condemn him to a most shameful death: for there shall be respect had unto him by his words. 2:21. These things they thought, and were deceived: for their own malice blinded them. 2:22. And they knew not the secrets of God, nor hoped for the wages of justice, nor esteemed the honour of holy souls. 2:23. For God created man incorruptible, and to the image of his own likeness he made him. 2:24. But by the envy of the devil, death came into the world: 2:25. And they follow him that are of his side. Wisdom Chapter 3 The happiness of the just: and the unhappiness of the wicked. 3:1. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. 3:2. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery: 3:3. And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. 3:4. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. 3:5. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. 3:6. As gold in the furnace, he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust, he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. 3:7. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. 3:8. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. 3:9. They that trust in him shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love, shall rest in him: for grace and peace are to his elect. 3:10. But the wicked shall be punished according to their own devices: who have neglected the just, and have revolted from the Lord. 3:11. For he that rejecteth wisdom, and discipline, is unhappy: and their hope is vain, and their labours without fruit, and their works unprofitable. 3:12. Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked. 3:13. Their offspring is cursed, for happy is the barren: and the undefiled, that hath not known bed in sin, she shall have fruit in the visitation of holy souls. 3:14. And the eunuch, that hath not wrought iniquity with his hands, nor thought wicked things against God for the precious gift of faith shall be given to him, and a most acceptable lot in the temple of God. 3:15. For the fruit of good labours is glorious, and the root of wisdom never faileth.