Wisdom 10 Commentary

“Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him blameless unto God, and kept him strong against his tender compassion toward his son.”

She knew the just. She found out and approved Abraham, (Calmet) Sem, or Heber, who took no part in building the tower. (St. Augustine, City of God) (Chap. xvi. 4.) — To God. Many say that Abraham was at first addicted to idolatry. (Philo.) (St. Augustine, &c.) — But not after he was directed by the light of heaven. (Calmet) — Strong. Gave him strength to stand firm against the efforts of his natural tenderness, when he was ordered to sacrifice his son. (Challoner) — Against. Literally, “in.” To obey God was true compassion to his son, though it might have deprived him of this life. (Haydock) — How many virtues did not Abraham manifest on this occasion! (St. Ambrose, Off. ii. 5.)

“When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man, who fled from the fire which fell down upon the five cities.”

The just man. Lot. — Pentapolis. The land of the five cities, Sodom, Gomorrah, &c. (Challoner)

“When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath she guided him in right paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and multiplied the fruit of his labours.”

The just. Jacob. — Of God. Or heaven open, and angels ascending and descending, Genesis xxxviii. 12.

“In the covetousness of such as oppressed him she stood by him, and made him rich.”

Deceit. Laban’s craft did not prevent Jacob from growing rich. (Haydock)

“She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might know that goodness is stronger than all.”

Enemies. Laban and Esau. (Calmet) — Conflict with the angel. (Challoner)

“When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit,”

Just. Joseph. (Challoner) — Sinners. His brethren, &c. Septuagint, “from sin” of adultery. (Menochius) — Pit. Or prison, to which he was confined at the instigation of Potiphar’s wife, always preserving his virtue. (Calmet) — He had also been let down into an old pit by his brethren. (Haydock)

“And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory.”

Kingdom. Which he ruled under Pharao, Genesis xli. 40. (Calmet) — The Hebrews styled all in high authority kings. (Grotius)

“She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;”

God. Moses. (Challoner) — Numbers xii. 7., and Psalm civ. 26., &c.

“For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of them that cannot speak eloquent.”

Eloquent. They would, if possible, have sounded forth thy praise. (Dionysius) — The Hebrews had been kept in ignorance, and afraid to speak. (Calmet) — Infants, and dumb people, might also, by miracle, join in the song. (Haydock)