Ben Sira 41:9

9 If you have children, calamity will be theirs; you will beget them only for groaning. When you stumble, there is lasting joy; and when you die, a curse is your lot.

Ben Sira 41:9 In-Context

7 Children will blame an ungodly father, for they suffer disgrace because of him.

8 Woe to you, the ungodly, who have forsaken the law of the Most High God!

9 If you have children, calamity will be theirs; you will beget them only for groaning. When you stumble, there is lasting joy; and when you die, a curse is your lot.

10 Whatever comes from earth returns to earth; so the ungodly go from curse to destruction.

11 The human body is a fleeting thing, but a virtuous name will never be blotted out.

Footnotes

• [a] Heb: Meaning of Gk uncertain