1Do not yearn for worthless children, or rejoice in wicked offspring.
2Even if they be many, do not rejoice in them if they do not have fear of the LORD.
3Do 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!
4Through one wise person a city can be peopled; but through a clan of rebels it becomes desolate.
5Many such things my eye has seen, and even more than these my ear has heard.
6Against a sinful band fire is kindled, upon a godless people wrath blazes.
7He did not forgive the princes of old who rebelled long ago in their might.
8He did not spare the neighbors of Lot, abominable in their pride.
9He did not spare the doomed people, dispossessed because of their sin;
10Nor the six hundred thousand foot soldiers, sent to their graves for the arrogance of their hearts.
11Had there been but one stiff-necked person, it would be a wonder had he gone unpunished. For mercy and anger alike are with him; he remits and forgives, but also pours out wrath.
12Great as his mercy is his punishment; he judges people, each according to their deeds.
13Criminals do not escape with their plunder; the hope of the righteous, God never leaves unfulfilled.
14Whoever does good has a reward; each receives according to their deeds.