Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Chapter 16

Rejoice not in ungodly children, neither trust nor rely on their number. The father of many impious children should find no consolation in their multitude. Lapide teaches the principle that quality of virtue surpasses quantity of offspring: one just child is worth more than a thousand impious ones.

He was not appeased towards the ancient giants, who revolted from Him in the strength of their folly. The punishment of the pre-flood giants is recalled as the paradigm of God's justice against pride and rebellion. Lapide identifies the giants with the Nephilim of Genesis 6, expelled in the deluge for their violence and pride.

He repented not for the people of Lot, whom He abhorred for the pride of their speech. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire is cited as the second great example of divine punishment for pride. Lapide notes \"pride of speech\" as the characteristic sin—the Sodomites' arrogant defiance of divine law.

And if there had been but one stiffnecked person, it would have been a wonder if he had escaped unpunished; for mercy and wrath are with Him. Even one hardened sinner would not escape—yet God's mercy and wrath coexist. Lapide uses this to expound the balance of divine attributes: mercy for the penitent, wrath for the obstinate.

Say not: I shall be hidden from God, and who shall remember me from on high? The foolish sinner's reasoning is refuted: no creature can hide from divine omniscience. Lapide expounds the divine attribute of omnipresence at length, citing the heavens, the abyss, and the depths of the human heart as all equally transparent to God.

Behold the heaven and the heavens of heavens, the deep and all the earth, and the things that are in them, shall be moved in His sight. The immensity of creation—heavens above heavens, the abyss, the whole earth—trembles before God's gaze. Lapide uses this cosmic vision to awaken wonder at divine majesty and fear of His judgment.