“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Pursueth. “A crime is its own punishment.” (Seneca, ep. 93.) (Leviticus xxvi. 36.) — Dread. Of any thing terrestrial, as long as the object of his love is not attacked, Romans viii. 35.
“For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. by: or, by men of understanding and wisdom shall they likewise be prolonged”
Princes. Who each contend for the sovereign power. (Calmet)
“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. unjust: Heb. by increase”
Poor. It seldom happens that the unjust leave their riches to their children, chap. xiii. 22., and Job xxvii. 16.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
His. Septuagint, “he rendereth his prayer abominable.”
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Mercy. This is true repentance, which enjoins, “not only to bewail past sins, but also to amend.” (St. Ambrose, ii. Pen. v.) — Sacramental confession was not required of the Jews, but they confessed their sins, when they laid their hands on the victim, &c., Leviticus iv., and v. (Calmet)
“The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.”
Prudence. Septuagint, “riches.” Poverty is a great temptation to people in authority, more than avarice itself. (Calmet)
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. innocent: or, unpunished”
Innocent. Unpunished, if he employ fraud, ver. 22., and chap. xiii. 21.
“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.”
Forsaketh. Hebrew, “oppresseth (Septuagint, selleth) a man.” (Calmet) — Neither small nor great bribes must be taken. (Justinian)
“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and evil eye hasteth to be rich”
Poverty. Septuagint, “the merciful shall have power over him,” ver. 8. (Haydock)
“When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.”
Men. Septuagint, “the just groan,” and all are under “apprehensions.” (Calmet)