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Do not let love and fidelity forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then will you win favor and esteem
    before God and human beings.

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Chapter 16

God’s Punishment of Sinners[a]

Do not yearn for worthless children,
    or rejoice in wicked offspring.
Even if they be many, do not rejoice in them
    if they do not have fear of the Lord.
Do not count on long life for them,(A)
    or have any hope for their future.
For one can be better than a thousand;
    rather die childless than have impious children!

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Footnotes

  1. 16:1–23 One child who does God’s will is a greater blessing than many sinful offspring (vv. 1–4), for history and experience show that God punishes sin (vv. 5–10). God judges everyone according to their deeds (vv. 11–14); no one can hide from God or escape retribution at his hand (vv. 17–23).