Sir 16

1 Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons. 2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them. 3 Trust not you in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just isbetter than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly. 4 For by one that has understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of thewicked shall speedily become desolate. 5 Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear has heard greater things thanthese. 6 In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nationwrath is set on fire. 7 He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness. 8 Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride. 9 He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins: 10 Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of theirhearts. 11 And if there be one stiff-necked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished:for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure. 12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judges a man according to his works 13 The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall notbe frustrate. 14 Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works. 15 The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works mightbe known to the world. 16 His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he has separated his light from the darknesswith an adamant. 17 Say not you, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shallnot be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures? 18 Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all thattherein is, shall be moved when he shall visit. 19 The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lordlooks upon them. 20 No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways? 21 It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid. 22 Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant isafar off, and the trial of all things is in the end. 23 He that lacks understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imaginesfollies. 24 My son, hearken to me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with your heart. 25 I will show forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly. 26 The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from the time he madethem he disposed the parts thereof. 27 He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them to all generations:they neither labor, nor are weary, nor cease from their works. 28 None of them hinders another, and they shall never disobey his word. 29 After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings. 30 With all manner of living things has he covered the face thereof; and they shall returninto it again.