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[1] Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, Neither delight in ungodly sons.

[2] If they multiply, delight not in them, Except the fear of the Lord be with them.

[3] Trust not you in their life, Neither rely on their condition: For one is better than a thousand; And to die childless than to have ungodly children.

[4] For from one that has understanding shall a city be peopled; But a race of wicked men shall be made desolate.

[5] Many such things have I seen with mine eyes; And mine ear has heard mightier things than these.

[6] In the congregation of sinners shall a fire be kindled; And in a disobedient nation wrath is kindled.

[7] He was not pacified toward the giants of old time, Who revolted in their strength.

[8] He spared not those with whom Lot sojourned, Whom he abhorred for their pride.

[9] He pitied not the people of perdition, Who were taken away in their sins.

[10] And in like manner the six hundred thousand footmen, Who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.

[11] Even if there be one stiffnecked person, It is marvel if he shall be unpunished: For mercy and wrath are with him; He is mighty to forgive, and he poureth out wrath.

[12] As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: He judgeth a man according to his works.

[13] The sinner shall not escape withhis plunder; And the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.

[14] He will make room for every work of mercy; Each man shall find according to his works.

[15]

[17] Say not you, I shall be hidden from the Lord: And who shall remember me from on high? I shall not be known among so many people; For what is my soul in a boundless creation?

[18] Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, The deep, and the earth, shall be moved when he shall visit.

[19] The mountains and the foundations of the earth together Are shaken with trembling, when he looketh upon them.

[20] And no heart shall think upon these things: And who shall conceive his ways?

[21] Andthere is a tempest which no man shall see; Yes, the more part of his works are hid.

[22] Who shall declare the works ofhis righteousness? Or who shall endure them? For his covenant is afar off.

[23] He that is lacking in understanding thinks upon these things; And an unwise and erring man thinks follies.

[24] My son, hearken to me, and learn knowledge, And give heed to my words with your heart.

[25] I will show forth instruction by weight, And declare knowledge exactly.

[26] In the judgement of the Lord are his works from the beginning; And from the making of them he disposed the parts thereof.

[27] He garnished his works for ever, And the beginnings of them to their generations: They neither hunger, nor are weary, And they cease not from their works.

[28] No one thrusteth aside his neighbor; And they shall never disobey his word.

[29] After this also the Lord looked upon the earth, And filled it with his blessings.

[30] All manner of living things covered the face thereof; And into it is their return.

Ecclesiasticus — Chapters