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If they multiply, do not rejoice in them,
    unless the fear of the Lord is in them.
Do not trust in their survival,
    or rely on their numbers;[a]
for one can be better than a thousand,
    and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.
For through one intelligent person a city can be filled with people,
    but through a clan of outlaws it becomes desolate.

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Footnotes

  1. Sirach 16:3 Other ancient authorities add For you will groan in untimely mourning, and will know of their sudden end.

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