Ben Sira 16:1-5 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

1. Do not yearn for worthless children,or rejoice in wicked offspring.

2. Even if they be many, do not rejoice in themif they do not have fear of the Lord.

3. Do not count on long life for them,or have any hope for their future.For one can be better than a thousand;rather die childless than have impious children!

4. Through one wise person a city can be peopled;but through a clan of rebels it becomes desolate.

5. Many such things my eye has seen,and even more than these my ear has heard.

Ben Sira 16