Sirach
16:1 Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in
ungodly sons.
16:2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord
be with them.
16:3 Trust not thou 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.
16:4 For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but
the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.
16:5 Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard
greater things than these.
16:6 In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a
rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
16:7 He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength
of their foolishness.
16:8 Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for
their pride.
16:9 He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their
sins:
16:10 Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the
hardness of their hearts.
16:11 And if there be one stiffnecked 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.
16:12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man
according to his works
16:13 The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the
godly shall not be frustrate.
16:14 Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to
his works.
16:15 The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his
powerful works might be known to the world.
16:16 His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light
from the darkness with an adamant.
16:17 Say not thou, 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?
16:18 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.
16:19 The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with
trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
16:20 No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to
conceive his ways?
16:21 It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are
hid.
16:22 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.
16:23 He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish
man erring imagineth follies.
16:24 by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy
heart.
16:25 I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
16:26 The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from
the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.
16:27 He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them
unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from
their works.
16:28 None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.
16:29 After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his
blessings.
16:30 With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and
they shall return into it again.
