Common English Bible

Sirach 16:3-6 Common English Bible (CEB)

3. Don’t be confident that they will live,and don’t rely on their great number.One is better than a thousand,and it’s better to die childlessthan to have ungodly children.

4. A city will be populatedthrough one intelligent person,but a tribe of lawless peoplecan transform it into a desert.

5. My eye has seen many such things,and my ear has heard more extraordinary matters than these.

6. A fire will be kindledin an assembly of sinners,and wrath will flash forthin a disobedient nation.