Verse 1
Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.
Verse 2
Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.
Verse 3
Trust 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.
Verse 4
For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.
Verse 5
Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.
Verse 6
In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
Verse 7
He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.
Verse 8
Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride.
Verse 9
He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:
Verse 10
Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.
Verse 11
And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.
Verse 12
As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works
Verse 13
The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.
Verse 14
Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.
Verse 15
The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.
Verse 16
His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.
Verse 17
Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures?
Verse 18
Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.
Verse 19
The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
Verse 20
No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?
Verse 21
It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.
Verse 22
Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.
Verse 23
He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.
Verse 24
by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.
Verse 25
I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
Verse 26
The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof.
Verse 27
He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.
Verse 28
None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.
Verse 29
After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
Verse 30
With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.