The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Son of Sirach 16
1 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 Lord 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 For from one who has understanding, a
city will be populated, but a race of
wicked men will be made desolate.
5 I have 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, wrath is kindled.
7 He was not pacified toward the giants of
old time, who revolted in their strength.
8 He didn’t spare Lot’s neighbors,
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 like manner, the six hundred
thousand footmen who were gathered
together in the hardness of their hearts.
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.
12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction
also. He judges a man according to his works.
13 The sinner will not escape with plunder.
The perseverance of the godly will not
be frustrated.
14 He will make room for every work of
mercy. Each man will receive according to his
works.
15-16 †
17 Don’t say, “I will be hidden from the
Lord,” and “Who will remember me from on
high?” I will not be knownamong somany people,
for what is my soul in a boundless creation?
18 Behold, 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‡ hidden.
22 Who will declare his works of righteousness?
Who will wait for them? For his covenant is afar off.§
23 He who is lacking in† 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 will impart instruction with precision,
and declare knowledge exactly.
26 In the judgment of the Lord 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 neighbor.
They will never disobey his word.
29 After this also the Lord looked at the
earth and filled it with his blessings.
30 All manner of living things covered its
surface, and they return into it.