The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 16

1Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, 2If they multiply, delight not in them, 3Trust not you in their life, 4For from one that has understanding will a city be peopled; 5Many such things I have seen with my eyes; 6In the congregation of sinners will a fire be kindled; 7He was not pacified toward the giants of old time, 8He spared not those with whom Lot sojourned, 9He pitied not the people of perdition, 10And in like manner the six hundred thousand footmen, 11Even if there be one stiff-necked person, 12As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: 13The sinner will not escape with his plunder; 14He will make room for every work of mercy; 15Verses 15 and 16 are omitted by the best authorities. 17Don’t say, I shall be hidden from the Lord; 18Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, 19The mountains and the foundations of the earth together 20And no heart will think upon these things: 21And there is a tempest which no man will see; hid. Gr. among hidden things. 22Who will declare the works of his righteousness? The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities. 23He that is lacking in understanding thinks upon these things; Gr. heart. 24My son, hearken to me, and learn knowledge, 25I will show forth instruction by weight, 26In the judgement of the Lord are his works from the beginning; 27He garnished his works forever, 28No one thrusteth aside his neighbor; 29After this also the Lord looked upon the earth, 30The Greek text of this line is uncertain. All manner of living things covered the face thereof; Gr. The soul of every living thing.