Ben Sira 41:9

9 When you have children, disaster will strike them and you will be left with nothing but sorrow. There will be great joy whenever you stumble, and even after your death you will be cursed.

Ben Sira 41:9 In-Context

7 The children will put the blame for their disgrace on their ungodly parents.

8 You are doomed, you irreligious people who have abandoned the Law of the Most High God.

9 When you have children, disaster will strike them and you will be left with nothing but sorrow. There will be great joy whenever you stumble, and even after your death you will be cursed.

10 What comes into being from nothing will return to nothing; so it will be with the godless, doomed to extinction.

11 A person's body amounts to nothing, but a good reputation will last forever.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] When you have . . . stumble; [Greek] You are born under a curse.