In Old Testament times, everyone aimed to have many children. Being the father or mother of many children was seen as a sign of divine blessing; however, in verses 1-4, Ben Sirach warns that what truly matters is not the number of children but their quality. He states, “one is better than a thousand,” and “it is better to die childless than to have arrogant descendants” (3). The key is fulfilling one’s duty, which, in the author’s view, is the same as loving and respecting the Lord, demonstrated by following His precepts. Verses 5-16 serve as a reminder of what was stated at the beginning, including testimonies from his own time (“what my eyes have seen”) and historical examples (“what my ears have heard”). Ben Sirach illustrates how different groups in the past indulged in evil, rebelled against God, and were consequently judged, because God judges each person according to their actions.