“He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general.”
Together, as to their substance, though they received different forms successively, as Moses relates. Both writers are divinely inspired. (St. Augustine, de Gen. ad Lit. iv. 33.) (Worthington) (St. Thomas Aquinas, i. p. 974. a. 2.) — Some suppose that all things were really formed in an instant, and that the order described by Moses is only as we should conceive it. (Cajetan) — This passage only means that God alone was the creator both of the sun and of man, and without him nothing was made, (John i., and Psalm xxxii. 15.) as he gave existence to all, koine, “in common.” (Calmet) — And he. Greek, “and there is no other besides him who steers the world with the palm of his hand. And all things obey his will; for he is king of all, in his might, separating what is holy among them from the profane. (2.) He has enabled no one to,” &c. (Haydock)
“Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies?”
Added. The works speak for themselves, though man be silent. (Calmet)
“As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out.”
Begin. God is so great and incomprehensible, that when man has done all that he can to find out his greatness and boundless perfections, he is still to begin: for what he has found out, is but a mere nothing, in comparison of his infinity. (Challoner) — It is best to adore him in silence and humility. (Calmet)
“When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful.”
Grace. Greek, “utility.” (Haydock) — Evil. What can man do for or against God? Job xxii. 3., and Psalm xv. 2.
“What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil?”
Years. Seneca fixes on the same number; (Brev. Vitæ. 3.) Macrobius on seventy, for the life of man; which nearly agrees with the author of Psalm lxxxix. 10. (Haydock) — It seldom happens that people exceed 70, or 100 years. But what is this compared with eternity? (Calmet) — Greek, “a hundred years are many….so are a thousand years in the day of the age,” or of aionos, eternity. (Haydock) (Psalm lxxxix. 4., and 2 Peter iii. 8.)
“The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.”
Them. Human misery calls forth God’s pity. (Calmet)
“He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion.”
Flesh. It is infinite and disinterested. Man assists his neighbour expecting a recompense, and remembering that he may be distressed.
“He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments.”
Judgments. To execute his orders. Here ends the discourse begun [in] chap. xiv. 22. (Calmet)
“My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing.”
Complaint. Greek, “reproach.” (Haydock) — The manner of giving, enhances the value of the gift, or even surpasses it. (Calmet)
“Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.”
Medicine. This is more requisite and easy to do in the maladies of the soul, which are brought on by our own fault. Principiis obsta. (Calmet) — Mercy. Greek, “propitiation in the hour of visitation,” (Haydock) or punishment. (Calmet)
“Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.”
Sick. Roman Greek adds, “by abstinence, and in the time of sins, manifest a conversion.” (Haydock) — If we take precautions to avoid illness, why should we neglect the concerns of our soul? — Conversation, or good conduct.
“Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.”
Always. These admirable maxims seem copied from the gospel, Luke xviii. 1. (Calmet) — The same spirit dictated all the Scriptures. (Haydock) — Those pray always who neglect not this duty at proper times, and are always resolved to do so. (St. Augustine, ep. 121. q. ad Prob.) (Worthington) — Greek, “be not hindered from performing thy vow in good time, and wait not to be justified, (Haydock) or to put it in execution till death. Deuteronomy xxiii. 21. Before thou takest a vow,” &c. Examine well if thou intend to perform it. (Calmet)
“Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.”
God. Can we expect that he will hear what we do not ourselves? To approach his majesty, without repentance and attention, is presumptuous. We must ask God to open our lips, and do what lies in us. (Trid.[Council of Trent?]) (Calmet)
“Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.”
Face, saying to the reprobate, Depart, &c., chap. vii. 40., and Matthew xxv. 41. (Haydock)
“When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.”
Riches. By their good use, lay up a treasure in heaven, and be always humble, chap. xi. 27.
“From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.”
God. All things continually change. (Calmet) — Rotam volubili orbe versamus. (Boet. cons. 2.) — Reflect on Aman and Mardochai. (Calmet)
“A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.”
Thing. Mindful of the reverses of fortune, chap. xi. 30., and Proverbs xxviii. 14. (Calmet) — Sloth, and repent. Greek adds, “the fool will not observe the season.” (Haydock)
“Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.”
Her. It is a rare thing to discern and to give due praise to merit. (Calmet)
“They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.”
And judgments. Greek, “full of accuracy.” Some add the title “restraint of the soul.” (Haydock)
“If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.”
Enemies. This motive will make the most impression on those who are slaves to their passions. (Calmet)
“Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof.”
Small. Literally, “nor in those which are small.” (Haydock) — Composed of the meanest citizens. Quarrels and sin are there almost inevitable. (Calmet) — Greek, “rejoice not in high living; nor beg for its symbol,” (Haydock) or feast, in which each person contributed his share, sumbole, as the next verse implies. (Calmet) — Symbolum dedit, cænavit. (Ter.[Tertullian?] And.)