Good News Translation
Don't put much hope in their future or expect them to live a long time. One child who does the Lord's will is better than a thousand who do not. It is better to go to your grave with no children at all than to have children who are godless.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not trust in their survival, or rely on their numbers; for one can be better than a thousand, and to die childless is better than to have ungodly children.

Contemporary English Version
Having lots of ungodly children won't help you in old age-- you will outlive them all. One good child, or even no children at all, is better than a thousand who are ungodly.

New American Bible
Do not count on long life for them, or have any hope for their future. For one can be better than a thousand; rather die childless than have impious children!

Douay-Rheims Bible
For better is one that feareth God, than a thousand ungodly children.

For better is one that feareth God, than a thousand ungodly children.

Sirach 16:1
Rejoice not in ungodly children, if they be multiplied: neither be delighted in them, if the fear of God be not with them.

Sirach 16:2
Trust not to their life, and respect not their labours.

Sirach 16:4
And it is better to die without children, than to leave ungodly children.

Sirach 16:5
By one that is wise a country shall be inhabited, the tribe of the ungodly shall become desolate.