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.
Footnotes
- 16.3 Other ancient authorities add for you will groan in untimely mourning, and will know of their sudden end
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