“Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.”
Labour, “anxiety,” ascholia. (Menochius) — All misery (Calmet) is in consequence of original sin. (Worthington) — The life of man is a trial, Job vii. 1., and xiv. 1. — Of all. The earth, (Calmet) which covers us, when all other things cast us away. (Pliny, [Natural History?] ii. 63.)
“From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.”
Purple. Literally, “hyacinth,” (Haydock) or violet colour. Purple was more like scarlet.
“Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.”
Knowledge. He is disquieted by restless (Calmet) and frightful dreams, ver. 6. (Haydock)
“When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.”
Fear, or no reason for it. (Calmet)
“Such things happen unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.”
Beast. Their instinct causes them to fear death, to fight, &c.
“Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;”
Moreover. Greek, “death,” &c., are all destined for the wicked.
“All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.”
Out, and severely punished. (Calmet) — They shall not appear in the book of life.
“While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.”
Rejoice. The corrupt judge once rejoiced: but now he shall mourn. (Haydock) — The possessions and grandeur of the unjust shall end in a moment, like a clap of thunder, Psalm xxxvi. 36., and Proverbs x. 25. (Calmet)
“The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.”
And make. Greek, “they are unclean,” (Haydock) and will produce no fruit.
“The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.”
Weed. Literally, “verdure.” Greek Achei, (Haydock) properly denotes the rush, papyrus, which grows on the banks of the Nile, (Genesis xli. 2.; Calmet) and was used for fuel. (Alpin. i. 7.) (Matthew vi. 30.) — Thus the wicked will presently (Calmet) be treated. (Menochius)
“Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.”
Grace. The beneficent will produce fruits, like those of paradise, Genesis ii. 8.
“To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.”
That is. Greek, “and of one that.” — In it. Greek, “and more than both is one discovering a treasure,” (Haydock) who finds himself rich, without labour or injustice.
“Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.”
Both. Thus Judith, Zenobia, &c., ennobled their husbands, Proverbs xxxi. 10.
“Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.”
Wisdom. Virtue gives more content to the soul than corporal pleasures do to the body. It brings us near to God. (Calmet)
“Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.”
Green. “The sight of no colour is more agreeable to the eyes.” (Pliny xxxvii. 1.) — The Church is more excellent than the synagogue. (Worthington)
“A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.”
Husband. Their union is closer, and they can best assist each other.
“Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.”
Counsel. By this the Romans conquered the world, 1 Machabees viii. 31., and Proverbs xi. 14.
“Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.”
Heart, and make people presumptuous; while piety gives real courage, Psalm xxvi. 1. (Calmet)
“My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.”
It, or “him.” (Haydock) — The virtuous man is covered with glory.
“The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.”
Indigent. Greek, “live not by begging,” being too lazy to work, or incurring this punishment for thy sins, Leviticus xxvi. 16., Psalm cviii., and Deuteronomy xv. 4. Involuntary poverty is a most severe scourge. (Calmet) — All are bound to labour for what is needful; (Worthington) some by prayer, others by trade, &c. (Haydock)
“Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.”
Meat. Such is the condition of the parasite, (Calmet) and of the beggar. (Haydock)
Unwise. Some read, “impudent man,” with the Greek. — Fire. He shall feel the inconveniences of poverty; (Haydock) yet will not work, being lost to all shame. (Calmet) — Plato (Leg. 11.) orders magistrates to “clear the country of such an animal,” zoou, (Haydock) and the Lacedemonians suffered no beggars among them.