Sirach 16:3

3 Don't be confident that they will live, and don't rely on their great number. One is better than a thousand, and it's better to die childless than to have ungodly children.

Sirach 16:3 In-Context

1 Don't wish for a multitude of worthless children, and don't be glad about sons and daughters if they are ungodly.
2 If they have children, don't rejoice over them unless they respect the Lord.
3 Don't be confident that they will live, and don't rely on their great number. One is better than a thousand, and it's better to die childless than to have ungodly children.
4 A city will be populated through one intelligent person, but a tribe of lawless people can transform it into a desert.
5 My eye has seen many such things, and my ear has heard more extraordinary matters than these.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. LXXb adds You will lament in untimely mourning; you will suddenly learn of their end.
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