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
is better 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
the wicked shall speedily become desolate.
5
Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear has heard greater things
than these.
6
In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation
anger 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
their hearts.
11
And if there be one stiff-necked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished:
for mercy and anger 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 not
be 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 might
be known to the world.
16
His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he has separated his light from the darkness
with an adamant.
17
Say not you, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I
shall not 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 that
therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.
19
The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the
Lord looks 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
is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.
23
He who wants understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagines
follies.
24
My son, hearken to me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with your heart.
25
I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
26
The works of the Lord are done in judgement from the beginning: and from the time
he made them 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 labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.
28
None of them hindereth 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 return
into it again.