“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
Knowledge. It is a great kindness to shew us our faults. But God’s grace is necessary to make us reap benefit from correction, (Calmet) as self-love recoils at it.
“A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.”
But. Hebrew, “and he will condemn the man of devices,” (Mont.[Montanus?]; Haydock) or, “the man of thoughts doth wickedly,” (Calmet) as he trusts in them, rather than in God. (Menochius)
“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
Diligent. Hebrew, “strong or virtuous,” (Haydock) including all the perfections of the sex, and in particular those of economy and chastity, chap. xiv. 1., and xxxi. 10.
“The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.”
Turn. In a moment the wicked is not to be found, chap. x. 25., and Psalm xxxvi. 35.
“A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. of a: Heb. perverse of heart”
Learning. We apply to those things which we love, and those who study sacred (Calmet) or useful sciences, shall receive praise.
“He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.”
Glorious. Or a boaster, (Haydock) as many noblemen are, who are involved in debt, Ecclesiasticus x. 30. (Menochius) — It is better to have a sufficiency, than to be of noble parentage; and starving through a stupid idea, that work would be disgraceful.
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. tender: or, bowels”
Beasts. Those who treat them with cruelty, would do the like with men. God gives regulations to let brute beasts have rest, Leviticus xxii. 28. (Calmet) (St. Chrysostom in Romans xxix.)
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.”
Idleness. Hebrew, “the idle.” Their company is seducing. — He that, &c. This occurs in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew or the new edition of St. Jerome. (Calmet) — Wine. Or “in taverns.” — Holds. Soldiers have thus been often surprised. (Menochius) — “Drunkenness is an incitement to lust and madness, the poison of wisdom.” (St. Ambrose)
“The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. the net: or, the fortress”
Men. They wish to supplant one another.
“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. The wicked: Heb. The snare of the wicked is in the transgression of lips”
Lips. Liars often become the victims of their own deceit.
“A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. presently: Heb. in that day”
Wise. It is more difficult to repress, than to avoid anger. (St. Ambrose) — To dissemble, so as to seek an opportunity of revenge, is not commended.
“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.”
That. Hebrew, “the truth announceth justice.” We easily give credit to an honest man. (Calmet)
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Promiseth. Septuagint, “there are, who speaking, wound with the sword; but,” &c. Hebrew bote (Haydock) means also, making a foolish promise, which causes remorse. (Menochius) — This was the case with Herod, when he was pleased with Herodias, Matthew xiv. 8. (Calmet) — Hebrew, “speaketh like the piercings of a sword,” (Protestants; Haydock) as detractors, and those who disseminate impious and scandalous maxims do.
“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
Frameth. He studies how to escape detection. Hebrew, “a lying tongue is but for a moment;” it is presently discovered.
“Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.”
Deceit. Or uneasiness. (Calmet) — Honi soit qui mal y pense: “let him be covered with shame who thinks evil in it,” seems nearly of the same import. (Haydock)
“There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.”
Sad. Even if he fall into sin, he will not lose all hope. (Calmet) — The accidents accompanying this life will not overwhelm him. (St. Chrysostom) — Hebrew, “no evil shall befall the just.” If he be afflicted here, he will be amply rewarded hereafter. Septuagint, “the just will not be pleased with any injustice.”
“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.”
Cautious. Versutus is taken in a good, as well as in a bad sense. The wise are reserved in speaking, Proverbs xvi. 14. (Calmet)
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Grief. Septuagint, “a fearful speech troubleth the heart of a (just) man.” (Grabe) (Haydock)
“The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. excellent: or, abundant”
Just. A true friend will make any sacrifice. (Calmet) — “I am convinced that friendship can subsist only among the good,” says Cicero. Hebrew, “the just hath more, (Calmet; Protestants) or is more excellent than his neighbour.” Septuagint, “the intelligent just is his own friend; (but the sentences of the impious are contrary to equity. Evils shall pursue sinners) but the way,” &c. (Grabe) (Haydock)
“The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”
Gain. Hebrew and Septuagint, “his prey,” (Calmet) or what “he took in hunting.” (Protestants) (Haydock)
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.”
Bye-way. Of vice. Hebrew, “and a way which leadeth to death,” or “its paths conduct to death.” (Calmet)