23 for God created man for incorruption,

and made him in the image of his own eternity,f

24 but through the devil’s envy death entered the world,

and those who belong to his party experience it.

Chapter 3

1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,

and no torment will ever touch them.

2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,

and their departure was thought to be an affliction,

3 and their going from us to be their destruction;

but they are at peace.

4 For though in the sight of men they were punished,

their hope is full of immortality.

5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,

because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;

6 like gold in the furnace he tried them,

and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.

7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,

and will run like sparks through the stubble.

8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples,

and the Lord will reign over them for ever.

9 Those who trust in him will understand truth,

and the faithful will abide with him in love,

because grace and mercy are upon his elect,

and he watches over his holy ones.*