Sirach 16:2-4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

² If they multiply, do not rejoice in them,
    unless the fear of the Lord is in them.
³ Do not trust in their survival
    or rely on their numbers,^[a]
for one can be better than a thousand,
    and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.^(A)
4 For through one intelligent person a city can be filled with people,
    but through a clan of outlaws it becomes desolate.