Sirach 16:2-4

Revised Standard Version

² If they multiply, do not rejoice in them,
    unless the fear of the Lord is in them.
³ Do not trust in their survival,
    and do not rely on their multitude;
for one is better than a thousand,^[a]
    and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.
⁴ For through one man of understanding a city will be filled with people,
    but through a tribe of lawless men it will be made desolate.