Single lesson
Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security
Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16)
Sirach 16:1–14 warns against trusting in numbers, whether in a family or a crowd. The passage says godliness, understanding, mercy, and God’s just judgement matter more than how many people there are.
Before you teach
In this wisdom passage from Sirach, one speaker gives warnings and observations. He first speaks about children and descendants, then about groups marked by sin, and finally about the Lord’s mercy, correction, and judgement according to each person’s works.
Explain the central teaching of Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security, using two details from the reading. This passage teaches that neither many descendants nor large crowds give real security, because the Lord judges justly and values godliness over numbers.
Welcome: Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security
5 minIntroduce “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security” and locate Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16). This passage teaches that neither many descendants nor large crowds give real security, because the Lord judges justly and values godliness over numbers. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Sirach 16:1, Sirach 16:8, Sirach 16:14
Read and explain the passage
12 minThe passage opens by saying not to delight in many children if they are ungodly. Their multiplication is not the point unless the fear of the Lord is in them. Sirach even says one may be better than a thousand, so number alone is not a safe measure of blessing.
Sirach next contrasts one person with understanding and a race of wicked men. One can help populate a city, while wickedness leads to desolation. The speaker then says he has seen and heard strong examples, presenting this warning as something confirmed by serious observation.
A congregation of sinners and a disobedient nation still face fire and wrath. The passage names earlier groups who were not spared in revolt, pride, sins, or hardness of heart. It then adds that mercy and correction both belong to the Lord, who judges each person according to works.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Sirach 16:1, Sirach 16:2, Sirach 16:3, Sirach 16:4, Sirach 16:5, Sirach 16:6, Sirach 16:7, Sirach 16:8, Sirach 16:9, Sirach 16:10, Sirach 16:11, Sirach 16:12, Sirach 16:13, Sirach 16:14
Discuss the details and their meaning
8 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “What does Sirach say matters more than having many children?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. This passage teaches that neither many descendants nor large crowds give real security, because the Lord judges justly and values godliness over numbers. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Sirach 16:2, Sirach 16:3, Sirach 16:4, Sirach 16:6, Sirach 16:10, Sirach 16:11, Sirach 16:12, Sirach 16:14
Make and respond: Wisdom comparison cards
12 minWork on “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security: Wisdom comparison cards”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Sirach 16:1, Sirach 16:8, Sirach 16:14
Closing: return to Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security
3 minRevisit Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16). Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Sirach 16:1, Sirach 16:8, Sirach 16:14
Questions to explore
What does Sirach say matters more than having many children?
Look for the contrast between a multitude and the fear of the Lord or understanding.
Sirach 16:2, Sirach 16:3, Sirach 16:4
How does the passage show that large groups are not automatically secure?
Notice the congregation, nation, and gathered footmen, and what the passage says about them.
Sirach 16:6, Sirach 16:10
Which words in the ending keep mercy and judgement together?
Read the lines about forgiveness, correction, and receiving according to works.
Sirach 16:11, Sirach 16:12, Sirach 16:14
Make, think or respond
Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security: Wisdom comparison cards
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- a Bible or the source reading on this page
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “What the passage commends”, “What it warns against”, “The reason or outcome stated”.
- Read Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16). Use “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Compare your notes with a partner. Check that every quotation is accurate and every conclusion has support in the passage.
- Write a proposed everyday example beside one teaching. Label it as your example and explain which words in the text guided it.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For learners who need more support, prepare the reading headings “Ungodly descendants and crowds offer no security” and let them match short quotations to the correct heading.
- For confident readers, compare two sections of Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16). Ask for a written explanation with two supporting references and one question that the text leaves open.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Sirach 16:1–16 (source bridge 15–16). Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Sirach 16
1 Don’t desire a multitude of unprofitable children, neither 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 to die childless than to have ungodly children.
4 For from one who has understanding, a city will be populated, but a race of wicked men will be made desolate.
5 I have seen many such things with my eyes. My ear has heard mightier things than these.
6 In a congregation of sinners, a fire will be kindled. In a disobedient nation, wrath is kindled.
7 He was not pacified toward the giants of old time, who revolted in their strength.
8 He didn’t spare Lot’s neighbors, whom he abhorred for their pride.
9 He didn’t pity the people of perdition who were taken away in their sins,
10 or in like manner, the six hundred thousand footmen who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.
11 Even if there is one stiff-necked person, it is a marvel if he will be unpunished; for mercy and wrath are both with him who is mighty to forgive, and he pours out wrath.
12 As his mercy is great, so is his correction also. He judges a man according to his works.
13 The sinner will not escape with plunder. 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.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Some verse numbers are represented by textual notes in World English Bible Classic. The reading below follows the text printed in the main passage.