“Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.”
Bring. Greek, “overweigh thee,” (Haydock) or turn the balance of the judge (Calmet) against thee, by money, (Haydock) which sometimes will corrupt kings. It is better, therefore, to avoid all law-suits. (Worthington)
“Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.”
Fire. Ver. 13., and Proverbs xxvi. 20. Such contests are full of danger.
“Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.”
Family. Or “ancestors.” They will be accused of having neglected thy education. People generally associate with those of the like dispositions.
“Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.”
Sinners. Greek, “a sinner, lest thou be burnt in the fire of his flame,[“] when he shall be enraged. (Haydock) — This is not the time for reprehension. (Calmet) — The envoys of Ezechias prudently answered nothing to Rabsaces. (S. Jerome in Isaias xxxvi.) — Useless correction must be avoided. (Menochius)
“Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.”
Words. Thus the Pharisees attacked our Saviour, Matthew xxii. 15. In popular assemblies it is dangerous, but sometimes requisite to oppose bold declaimers, chap. ix. 25.
“Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.”
Power. Thou must consider the debt as thy own, Proverbs vi. 1. (Calmet)
Love. Greek, “keep the word secret. (21) Do no hidden thing before a stranger.” (Haydock) — The skilful alone must be consulted. (Worthington)
Evil. Greek, “false kindness.” The rest is omitted. (Haydock) — Samson was undone by Dalilia. When Pompey was going on an embassy, he was taken by king Gentius, who wished to extort his secret from him; but he put his finger in the flame of a candle, that he might see that all his attempts would be fruitless. (V. Max. iii. 3.)