For they said within themselves, reasoning not aright,

2 Because by mere chance were we born,

3 Which being extinguished, the body shall be turned into ashes,

4 And our name shall be forgotten in time,

5 For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow,

6 Come therefore and let us enjoy the good things that now are;

7 Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and perfumes;

8 Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered:

9 Let none of us go without his share in our proud revelry:

10 Let us oppress the righteous poor;

11 But let our strength be to us a law of righteousness;

12 But let us lie in wait for the righteous man,

13 He professeth to have knowledge of God,

14 He became to us a reproof of our thoughts.

15 He is grievous unto us even to behold,

16 We were accounted of him as base metal,

17 Let us see if his words be true,

18 For if the righteous man is God’s son, he will uphold him,

19 With outrage and torture let us put him to the test,

20 Let us condemn him to a shameful death;

21 Thus reasoned they, and they were led astray;

22 And they knew not the mysteries of God,

23 Because God created man for incorruption,

24 But by the envy of the devil death entered into the world,