Open English Translation SIR Chapter 16

16 Don’t desire a multitude of unprofitable children,

neither delight in ungodly sons.

2 If they multiply, don’t delight in them

unless the fear of the master is in them.

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.

4 Because from one who has understanding, a city will be populated,

but a race of wicked men will be made desolate.

5 I’ve seen many such things with my eyes.

My ear has heard mightier things than these.

6 In a congregation of sinners, a fire will be kindled.

In a disobedient nation, anger is kindled.

7 He wasn’t pacified towards the giants of old time,

who revolted in their strength.

8 He didn’t spare Lot’s neighbours,

whom he abhorred for their pride.

9 He didn’t pity the people of perdition

who were taken away in their sins,

10 or in the same way, the six hundred thousand footmen

who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.

11 Even if there’s one stiff-necked person,

it’s a marvel if he’ll be unpunished;

for mercy and anger are both with him who’s mighty to forgive,

and he pours out anger.

12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also.

He judges a man according to his works.

13 The sinner won’t escape with plunder.

The perseverance of the godly won’t be frustrated.

14 He’ll make room for every work of mercy.

Each man will receive according to his works.15-16 [fn]

17 Don’t say, “I’ll be hidden from the master,”

and “Who’ll remember me from on high?”

I won’t be known among so many people,

for what’s my soul in a boundless creation?

18 Listen, the heaven, the heaven of heavens,

the deep, and the earth, will be moved when he visits.

19 The mountains and the foundations of the earth together

are shaken with trembling when he looks at them.

20 No heart will think about these things.

Who could comprehend his ways?

21 Like a tempest which no man can see,

so, the majority of his works are[fn] hidden.

22 Who’ll declare his works of righteousness?

Who’ll wait for them?

Because his covenant is afar off.[fn]

23 He who’s lacking in[fn] understanding thinks about these things.

An unwise and erring man thinks foolishly.

24 My son, listen to me, learn knowledge,

and heed my words with your heart.

25 I’ll impart instruction with precision,

and declare knowledge exactly.

26 In the master’s judgement are his works from the beginning.

From the making of them he determined their boundaries.

27 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.

28 No one pushes aside his neighbour.

They’ll never disobey his word.

29 After this also the master looked at the earth

and filled it with his blessings.

30 All manner of living things covered its surface,

and they return into it.