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[1] Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.
[2] Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.
[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.
[4] For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate.
[5] Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.
[6] In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
[7] He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.
[8] Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride.
[9] He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:
[10] Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.
[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.
[12] As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works
[13] The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.
[14] Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.
[15] The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.
[16] His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.
[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?
[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.
[19] The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
[20] No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?
[21] It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.
[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.
[23] He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.
[24] by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.
[25] I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
[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.
[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.
[28] None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.
[29] After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
[30] With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again.
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