“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Fury. This was seen in Nabal and Roboam, while Gideon and Abigail shewed the good effects of a mild answer, Judges viii. 1., and 1 Kings x. 25., and 3 Kings xii. 11.
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth”
Knowledge. It requires to be proposed in a proper manner.
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A wholesome: Heb. The healing of the tongue”
Life. This comparison was become proverbial for something very excellent. Immoderate. Hebrew, “perverse.” (Calmet) — Evil discourse kills the souls both of those who speak, and of those who pay attention to it. (Haydock)
“A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.”
In abundant, &c. Is omitted in Hebrew, Chaldean, and many Greek and Latin copies. The same idea is expressed in the following verse.
“The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.”
Unlike. The wise, or themselves. Hebrew and Septuagint, “inconstant.”
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”
Wicked. Still unconverted, Ecclesiasticus xxxiv. 23. When they repent, and offer sacrifice with sincerity, they will obtain mercy. The Donatists abused this text, to prove that baptism conferred by wicked ministers was unavailing. But St. Augustine shewed them, that Christ was the principal agent, and conferred grace, even though the minister might draw down judgments on his own head. (Con. Parm. ii. 6.) — Even pagans confessed, that sacrifices, without virtue, could afford no benefit. “God was more pleased with the prayers of the Lacedemonians, than with all the sacrifices of the Greeks,” say the idolatrous priests in Plato, Alcib. ii. Seneca de Ben. i. 5.
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instruction”
Instruction. Hebrew, “a heavy punishment.” (Haydock) — The mind which gives way to vice, must have embraced some false doctrine.
“Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?”
Before. Naked. The state of the damned is known to God, chap. ix. 18. (Calmet)
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
Down. Compunction is salutary, but worldly grief blameable, chap. xxv. 20., and 2 Corinthians vii. 10. (St. Gregory, past. ii. 10.)
“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
Feast. Those who repine at their condition are miserable; while the poor may be delivered from many cares. (Calmet) —
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
Content. Septuagint, “fear.” Hebrew, “with trouble,” which is preferable, 1 Timothy vi. 6.
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
Calf. Or feast after sacrifice, 1 Kings xvii. 19., and Luke xv. 23.
“The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. is made: Heb. is raised up as a causey”
Thorns. All seems to them impossible. (Calmet) — In agriculture, however, (Haydock) “in domestic affairs, negligence is attended with more labour than diligence.” (Colum. xii. 2.)
“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. destitute: Heb. void of heart”
Fool. He thinks himself the most happy of mortals. (Calmet) — Septuagint, “the ways of the fools are senseless.” (Haydock)
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Counsel. Hebrew, “secrecy.” — Established. We put in execution without fear, what has been resolved maturely. (Calmet)
“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.”
Above. Literally, “upon the learned.” (Haydock) — One path leads to the realms above. (Calmet) — The wise must be intent on God. (Menochius)
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. words of pleasantness”
Shall by, &c., is not added in Hebrew, &c., nor in several Latin manuscripts.
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”
Troubleth. With all sorts of temporal misfortunes. A judge who receives bribes, is accursed, Exodus xxiii. 8. — By, &c., is not here in Hebrew, but [in] chap. xvi. 6. St. Cyprian (3 Test.) found it in his copy. — Faith, or fidelity and truth, as it is elsewhere expressed, chap. iii. 3. These virtues move God to pardon.
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
Studieth. And speaks deliberately. Roman Septuagint is more embarrassed in the rest of this, and the nine first verses of the following chapter, than the Complutensian edition.
“The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.”
Fat. And contributes to health. By less noble motives, the mind is gradually raised to the more excellent.
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”
Lesson. Or “what teacheth.” Humility, or docility, as those who acknowledge no master will never become wise, Matthew xxiii. 12. (Calmet)