Children and Their Character

1 Don’t desire many worthless children, or delight in ungodly sons. 2 If they multiply, don’t delight in them unless the fear of the Lord is in them. 3 Don’t trust in their life. Don’t rely on their numbers, for one can be better than a thousand, and it can be better to die childless than to have ungodly children.⁠a 4 For from one who has understanding, a city will be populated, but a race of wicked men will be left desolate. 5 I have seen many such things with my eyes. My ear has heard greater things than these.

Judgment on the Disobedient

6 In a congregation of sinners, a fire will be ignited. In a disobedient nation, anger is ignited.⁠b 7 He was not lenient toward the ancient giants, who revolted in their strength.⁠c 8 He didn’t spare Lot’s neighbors, whom he detested for their pride.⁠d 9 He didn’t pity the people doomed to destruction who were taken away in their sins, 10 or in the same way, the six hundred thousand foot soldiers who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.⁠e

11 Even if there is one stiff-necked person, it is amazing if he goes unpunished, for mercy and anger are both with him who is mighty to forgive, and he pours out anger. 12 His discipline is as great as his mercy.⁠f He judges a man according to his works.⁠g 13 The sinner will not escape with stolen goods. The perseverance of the godly will not be frustrated. 14 He will make room for every work of mercy. Each man will receive according to his works.⁠h

The Claim That God Does Not See

17 Don’t say, “I will be hidden from the Lord. Who will remember me from above? I will not be known among so many people, for what is my soul in a boundless creation? 18 Look, heaven, the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, will shake when he visits.⁠i 19 The mountains and the foundations of the earth together are shaken with trembling when he looks at them. 20 No heart will think about these things. Who could comprehend his ways?⁠j 21 Like a storm that no one can see, most of his works are hidden. 22 Who will declare his works of righteousness? Who will wait for them? For his covenant is far away.” 23 He who is lacking in understanding thinks about these things. A foolish, misguided man thinks foolishly.

The Order of Creation

24 My son, listen to me, learn knowledge, and pay attention to my words with your heart. 25 I will give instruction with precision, and declare knowledge exactly.

26 The Lord’s works have been under his judgment from the beginning. From the time he made them he determined their boundaries.⁠k 27 He arranged his works for all time, and their beginnings for their generations. They aren’t hungry or weary, and they don’t stop their works. 28 No one pushes aside his neighbor. They will never disobey his word. 29 After this also the Lord looked at the earth and filled it with his blessings. 30 Every kind of living things covered its surface, and they return to it.