“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.”
Words. As dangerous temptations always threaten, the same instructions are frequently inculcated. (Worthington)
“That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.”
Thine. But another’s, ver. 19. Give thy heart to wisdom, that it may be guarded against impure love.
“For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,”
Lattice. No glass was used, on account of the great heat. (Calmet)
“And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, the youths: Heb. the sons”
Ones. Not in age, but prudence. (Menochius)
“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.”
Attire. Covered with a veil, (Genesis xxxviii. 15.) though different from that of honest women. (Calmet) — The wanton are commonly the most gaudy; nullarum fere pretiosior cultus est quam quarum pudor vilis est. (St. Cyprian, de Habitu.) — Prepared, &c. Hebrew, “guarded,” (Calmet) or “subtle of heart.” (Protestants) “who makes the hearts of youths take flight.” (Septuagint) (Canticle of Canticles vi. 4.) (Haydock)
“(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:”
Not….quiet. Is not in Hebrew. (Calmet) — “She is loud and stubborn, her feet abide not in her house.” (Protestants) (Haydock) — Chaste women are guarded in their speech, and keep at home. (Menochius)
“I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. I have: Heb. Peace offerings are upon me”
Prosperity. Or thy welfare, (Cornelius a Lapide; Tirinus) so great is my love for thee. (Menochius) — Vows. And therefore I have a feast prepared. People might carry home the greatest part of the victim to eat, if they were clean, Leviticus vii. 29. (Calmet)
“I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.”
Cords. For greater ease, instead of boards, (Menochius) or the curtains are hung with precious cords from Egypt. (Calmet)
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.”
Aloes. Of Syria, (John xix. 39.) different from ours, Numbers xxxiv. 6. (Calmet)
“Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.”
Inebriated. Protestants, “take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.” (Haydock) — This passion is a sort of intoxication. (Menochius)
“For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:”
My. Literally, “the man.” (Haydock) — She speaks thus out of contempt. (Calmet)
“He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. with: Heb. in his hand the day: or, the new moon”
The day. Septuagint, “after many days.” Hebrew, “at the day concealed,” or when the people will dwell under tents, (Chaldean; Calmet) or “at the new moon,” when it does not appear. (Piscator) — He will not return for a long time, so that we need apprehend no danger from him. (Menochius)
“He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; straightway: Heb. suddenly”
Lamb. Protestants, “fool to the correction of the stocks,” (Haydock) or “like a shackle (abs.) for the chastisement of a fool.” (Mont.[Montanus?]) — Interpreters have read different words. (Calmet) — Sinners who have given way to temptations, are as inconsiderate as oxen, or birds which hasten to their own ruin. (Worthington)
“For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.”
Her. Solomon gave a melancholy proof of this, as well as David, and Amnon. (Calmet)
“Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”
Death. There can be no precaution too great, chap. ii. 18. (Calmet)