Ben Sira 16:2-12

2 If they multiply , do not rejoice in them, unless the fear of the Lord is in them.
3 Do not trust in their survival, and do not rely on their multitude; for one is better than a thousand, and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.
4 For through one man of understanding a city will be filled with people, but through a tribe of lawless men it will be made desolate.
5 Many such things my eye has seen, and my ear has heard things more striking than these.
6 In an assembly of sinners a fire will be kindled, and in a disobedient nation wrath was kindled.
7 He was not propitiated for the ancient giants who revolted in their might.
8 He did not spare the neighbors of Lot, whom he loathed on account of their insolence.
9 He showed no pity for a nation devoted to destruction, for those destroyed in their sins;
10 nor for the six hundred thousand men on foot, who rebelliously assembled in their stubbornness.
11 Even if there is only one stiff-necked person, it will be a wonder if he remains unpunished. For mercy and wrath are with the Lord; he is mighty to forgive, and he pours out wrath.
12 As great as his mercy, so great is also his reproof; he judges a man according to his deeds.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.