What does Ecclesiasticus Chapter 16 say, and which statements belong to its speaker?

Ecclesiasticus 16 says not to rejoice in multiplied ungodly children without God-fear or trust their lives and labors. One God-fearing person exceeds a thousand ungodly children, and dying childless is preferable to leaving them. By one wise person a country is inhabited; an ungodly tribe becomes desolate. The speaker has seen many such things and heard greater. Fire and wrath threaten sinners and unbelieving nations. Ancient giants trusting strength obtained no pardon; the place of Lot's sojourn was not spared for proud words, nor a whole self-extolling nation. Six hundred thousand hardened footmen suffered likewise, and even one stiffnecked person would scarcely escape. A separate edition note identifies Israel sentenced to wilderness death and cites Numbers 14.

Mercy and wrath coexist, forgiveness and indignation are within God's might, and correction judges by works. A rapacious sinner will not escape and merciful patience is not deferred; mercy makes a place according to works' merit and sojournment's wisdom. Do not imagine being hidden or unremembered in immense creation. Heaven, highest heavens, deep, earth and their contents move at his sight; mountains, hills and foundations tremble. Every heart is understood, though his ways and unseen storm are questioned. Many works remain hidden; who declares or endures justice? The testament is far from some and all examination is at end. Lacking understanding brings vain and foolish thinking.

The son must hear discipline and attend in heart. The speaker promises equitable good doctrine and truthful knowledge of virtues in God's original works. Works are made in judgment, with parts and generational beginnings distinguished, beautified forever, neither hungry, laboring nor ceasing, and not constraining neighbors. Do not disbelieve his word. God then looked on earth and filled goods; every living soul shows forth before its face and returns into it. The separate note explains showing forth God's glory and power on earth. The text does not name every natural element's assigned station, give a universal retribution law, or add a dust-origin story.