Sirach 16:4
King James VersionSource notes
“For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.”
Context
1Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.
2Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.
3Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.
4For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.
5Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.
6In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
7He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.