Take no joy in godless people

Do not long for a brood of worthless children, and take no joy in godless sons.

However many you have, do not rejoice in them if they have no fear of God.

Do not depend on their having a long life, or trust in their number, because one is better than a thousand and their death is preferable to their being godless.

A city can arise from one man who is prudent. Yet, even though the wicked become a great tribe, they will be destroyed.

I have seen such things with my own eyes and my ears have heard of still greater things.

Fire has come upon the meeting of sinners and God’s wrath is kindled against rebellious people.

God did not pardon the leaders of old who rebelled in their pride of strength.

He did not spare the city where Lot lived; he detested their pride.

He showed no pity on the people doomed to destruction; they were annihilated for their sins.

In the same way, he dealt with the six hundred thousand men who, in the hardness of their hearts, had revolted.

Had there been only one stubborn man it would have been amazing if he had escaped unpunished, since mercy and anger belong to the Lord who is powerful both in forgiveness and in punishment.

His justice is as great as his mercy and he judges people by their deeds.

Just as the sinner will not escape with his booty, the patience of the upright man will not go unrewarded.

God will reward every act of mercy; each person will be treated according to his deeds.

Sirach 16:1-14

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