The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach — Ecclesiasticus

chapter 16


Chapters:


verse #1

Don’t desire a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.


verse #2

If they multiply, don’t delight in them unless the fear of the Lord is in them.


verse #3

Don’t trust in their life. Don’t rely on their numbers; for one can be better than a thousand, and to die childless than to have ungodly children.


verse #4

For from one who has understanding, a city will be populated, but a race of wicked men will be made desolate.


verse #5

I have seen many such things with my eyes. My ear has heard mightier things than these.


verse #6

In a congregation of sinners, a fire will be kindled. In a disobedient nation, wrath is kindled.


verse #7

He was not pacified toward the giants of old time, who revolted in their strength.


verse #8

He didn’t spare Lot’s neighbors, whom he abhorred for their pride.


verse #9

He didn’t pity the people of perdition who were taken away in their sins,


verse #10

or in like manner, the six hundred thousand footmen who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.


verse #11

Even if there is one stiff-necked person, it is a marvel if he will be unpunished; for mercy and wrath are both with him who is mighty to forgive, and he pours out wrath.


verse #12

As his mercy is great, so is his correction also. He judges a man according to his works.


verse #13

The sinner will not escape with plunder. The perseverance of the godly will not be frustrated.


verse #14

He will make room for every work of mercy. Each man will receive according to his works.


verse #15

Don’t say, “I will be hidden from the Lord,” and “Who will remember me from on high?” I will not be known among so many people, for what is my soul in a boundless creation?


verse #16

Behold, the heaven, the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, will be moved when he visits.


verse #17

The mountains and the foundations of the earth together are shaken with trembling when he looks at them.


verse #18

No heart will think about these things. Who could comprehend his ways?


verse #19

Like a tempest which no man can see, so, the majority of his works are hidden.


verse #20

Who will declare his works of righteousness? Who will wait for them? For his covenant is afar off.


verse #21

He who is lacking in understanding thinks about these things. An unwise and erring man thinks foolishly.


verse #22

My son, listen to me, learn knowledge, and heed my words with your heart.


verse #23

I will impart instruction with precision, and declare knowledge exactly.


verse #24

In the judgment of the Lord are his works from the beginning. From the making of them he determined their boundaries.


verse #25

He arranged his works for all time, and their beginnings to their generations. They aren’t hungry or weary, and they don’t cease from their works.


verse #26

No one pushes aside his neighbor. They will never disobey his word.


verse #27

After this also the Lord looked at the earth and filled it with his blessings.


verse #28

All manner of living things covered its surface, and they return into it.

Chapters:


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