16 My son, shed tears for one who is deadwith wailing and bitter lament;As is only proper, prepare the body,and do not absent yourself from the burial.
17 Weeping bitterly, mourning fully,pay your tribute of sorrow, as deserved:A day or two, to prevent gossip;then compose yourself after your grief.
18 For grief can bring on death,and heartache can sap one’s strength.
19 When a person is carried away, sorrow is over;and the life of the poor one is grievous to the heart.
20 Do not turn your thoughts to him again;cease to recall him; think rather of the end.
21 Do not recall him, for there is no hope of his return;you do him no good, and you harm yourself.
22 Remember that his fate will also be yours;for him it was yesterday, for you today.