Ben Sira 16:4

4 A city's population may grow because of the wisdom of one person, while a whole tribe of lawless people disappears.

Ben Sira 16:4 In-Context

2 No matter how many children you have, don't look on them with pride unless they fear the Lord.

3 Don't put much hope in their future or expect them to live a long time. One child who does the Lord's will is better than a thousand who do not. It is better to go to your grave with no children at all than to have children who are godless.

4 A city's population may grow because of the wisdom of one person, while a whole tribe of lawless people disappears.

5 I have seen such things many times and have heard of even more striking examples.

6 The Lord's flaming anger will break out against a small gathering of sinners or a disobedient nation.