“My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.”
Thee. The just may offend: but the wicked relapse continually.
“Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.”
Hold. Greek, “bite,” (Calmet) in the same sense. (Menochius) — Serpents sting in secret: so all sins inveigle the soul. (Worthington)
“All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.”
Lion. Yet only those are hurt, who consent to sin. The devil may go round about, (1 Peter v. 8.) and tempt; (Calmet) he cannot bite, except a man willingly expose himself, and come near, ver. 2.
“To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.”
Remedy. In man. (Haydock) — Only the sovereign physician can cure it. (Calmet)
“A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.”
Riches. As they make enemies arise. Greek subjoins, “so the house of the proud shall be made desolate.” (Haydock) — Roboam lost ten tribes by an insolent answer, and the Tarquins were expelled for their pride.
“He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.”
Speedily. God is the protector of the poor, Psalm x. 5.
“An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.”
Sinner. He rejects all medicines. How shall he be cured? (Calmet) — They who fear God, will examine their actions when they are warned. (Worthington)
“He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.”
By him. And to avoid his reproaches. Greek, “knoweth when he is ruined.” (Haydock) — He is more reserved, and escapes the dangers of talkativeness.
“The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.”
Winter. This season is unfit for building; so the man who borrows, may be forced to pay again (Calmet) before it is convenient for him. (Haydock) — Injustice will bring on ruin, Jeremias xxiii. 13. Some Greek copies have, “stones for a heap over his tomb,” as Achan and Absalom were treated. Reputation, or goods ill-acquired, will not continue long. (Worthington)
“The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.”
Fire. All their grandeur will end in smoke. (Haydock) — Malachias iv. 1., and Matthew xiii. 30.
“He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.”
Stones. It is broad and easy, Matthew vii.
“He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.”
Thereof. Practice makes perfect. A painter may produce a better piece by this means, than one who is more acquainted with theory, (Calmet) and neglects it. (Haydock)
“If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.”
Bitterness. True wisdom promotes the general good.
“The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.”
Of life. Which never fails, John iv. 14., and vii. 38.
“A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.”
Church. Or assembly, Job xxix. 11, 21. (Calmet) — All good people dislike senseless talk, and approve of what is edifying. (Worthington)
“Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.”
Fool. All is in confusion, like a heap of ruins.
“A foolish man's foot is soon in his neighbour's house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.”
Hand. He esteems instruction burdensome.
“A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.”
Low. A smiling countenance is commendable, but loud laughter is to be avoided. (Clement, Pæd. ii. 5.) — It causes too great a change, (Plato, Rep. 3.) and is a mark of folly, Ecclesiastes vii. 5. (St. Augustine, contra Acad. ii. 2.)
“The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.”
House. And meddles with the concerns of others. (Calmet) — Of the mighty, is not in Greek. The wise will not easily receive invitations. (Haydock)
“The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.”
Window. Greek, “door” with impudence. (Calmet)
Heart. Understanding. (Haydock) — The wise speak with reflection, Proverbs xvi. 23.
While the ungodly, &c. He condemneth and curseth himself; inasmuch as by sin he takes part with the devil, and is, as it were, his member and subject. (Challoner) — In vain does he lay the blame of his sins on the devil, ver. 3. (Calmet) — He condemns himself by imitating the wicked, Luke xix. (Worthington)
By all. Greek, “in the neighbourhood.” The rest is omitted. (Haydock)