1 Don’t desire a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons. (WEB) 2 If they multiply, don’t delight in them unless the fear of the Lord is in them. (WEB)
Sirach 16:1–2
Semantically similar passages
Tobit 5:17–19
17 But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child? Isn’t he the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us? (WEB) 18 Don’t be greedy to add money to money; but let it be as refuse compared to our child. (WEB) 19 For what the Lord has given us t… (WEB)
Job 27:13–15
13 This is the wicked man’s portion from God— the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty. 14 Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food. 15 His survivors will be buried by the plague, and their widow…
Proverbs 17:20–22
20 The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 21 A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Sirach 41:4–6
4 And why do you refuse when it is the good pleasure of the Most High? Whether life lasts ten, or a hundred, or a thousand years, there is no inquiry about life in Hades. (WEB) 5 The children of sinners are abominable children and they frequent the dwellings of the ungo… (WEB)
Sirach 7:23–25
23 Do you have children? Correct them, and make them obedient from their youth. (WEB) 24 Do you have daughters? Take care of their bodies, and don’t be overly indulgent toward them. (WEB) 25 Give your daughter in marriage, and you will have accomplished a great matter. Give her to… (WEB)
Sirach 7:2–4
2 Depart from wrong, and it will turn away from you. (WEB) 3 My son, don’t sow upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and you won’t reap them sevenfold. (WEB) 4 Don’t seek preeminence from the Lord, nor the seat of honor from the king. (WEB)
2 Esdras 1:33–35
33 The Lord Almighty says, “Your house is desolate. I will cast you out as the wind blows stubble. (WEB) 34 Your children won’t be fruitful, for they have neglected my commandment to you, and done that which is evil before me. (WEB) 35 I will give your houses to a people that will… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 3:15–17
15 For good labors have fruit of great renown. The root of understanding can’t fail. (WEB) 16 But children of adulterers will not come to maturity. The seed of an unlawful union will vanish away. (WEB) 17 For if they live long, they will not be esteemed, and in the end, their old a… (WEB)
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