Sirach 16

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.	1 Desire not a brood of worthless children, nor rejoice in wicked offspring.
2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.	2 Many though they be, exult not in them if they have not the fear of the LORD.
3 Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.	3 Count not on their length of life, have no hope in their future. For one can be better than a thousand; rather die childless than have godless children!
4 For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.	4 Through one wise man can a city be peopled; through a clan of rebels it becomes desolate.
5 Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.	5 Many such things has my eye seen, even more than these has my ear heard.
6 In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.	6 Against a sinful band fire is enkindled, upon a godless people wrath flames out.
7 He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.	7 He forgave not the leaders of old who rebelled long ago in their might;
8 Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride.	8 He spared not the neighbors of Lot whom he detested for their pride;
9 He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:	9 Nor did he spare the doomed people who were uprooted because of their sin;
10 Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.	10 Nor the six hundred thousand foot soldiers who perished for the impiety of their hearts.
11 And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.	11 And had there been but one stiffnecked man, it were a wonder had he gone unpunished. For mercy and anger alike are with him who remits and forgives, though on the wicked alights his wrath.
12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works	12 Great as his mercy is his punishment; he judges men, each according to his deeds.
13 The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.	13 A criminal does not escape with his plunder; a just man's hope God does not leave unfulfilled.
14 Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.	14 Whoever does good has his reward, which each receives according to his deeds.
15 The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.	15 Say not: "I am hidden from God; in heaven who remembers me? Among so many people I cannot be known; what am I in the world of spirits?
16 His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.	16 Behold, the heavens, the heaven of heavens, the earth and the abyss tremble at his visitation;
17 Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures?	17 The roots of the mountains, the earth's foundations, at his mere glance, quiver and quake.
18 Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.	18 Of me, therefore, he will take no thought; with my ways who will concern himself?
19 The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.	19 If I sin, no eye will see me; if all in secret I am disloyal, who is to know?
20 No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?	20 Who tells him of just deeds and what could I expect for doing my duty?"
21 It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.	21 Such are the thoughts of senseless men, which only the foolish knave will think.
22 Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.	22 Hearken to me, my son, take my advice, apply your mind to my words,
23 He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.	23 While I propose measured wisdom, and impart accurate knowledge.
24 by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.	24 When at the first God created his works and, as he made them, assigned their tasks,
25 I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.	25 He ordered for all time what they were to do and their domains from generation to generation. They were not to hunger, nor grow weary, nor ever cease from their tasks.
26 The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.	26 Not one should ever crowd its neighbor, nor should they ever disobey his word.
27 He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.	27 Then the LORD looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
28 None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.	28 Its surface he covered with all manner of life which must return into it again.
29 After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
30 With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.