“Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth.”
Wisdom, &c. This is not in Greek, and seems out of its place, being taken from Proverbs xvi. 32., or Ecclesiastes ix. 16. (Calmet) — The connection with the preceding is observable in the next verse. (Haydock)
“Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations.”
Kings. The author puts these words in the mouth of Solomon to give them greater weight, (Calmet) or rather (Haydock) as the inspiration of God is the most unexceptionable authority, and it would be of no service to introduce a false personage speaking; these nine first chapters were written by Solomon, though the original has since disappeared. This has been the case with respect to the original text of Tobias and Judith, (Houbigant) as well as to that of the many canticles and parables which Solomon wrote. (Haydock)
“Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;”
Power. All power is from God, and to be respected, even though the magistrate should sometimes abuse his authority. (Worthington) (Romans xiii. 1.) — They must render an account to the common master, 2 Paralipomenon xix. 6.
“For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall be mightily tormented.”
Rule. How severely did God chastise Moses, David, and Ezechias.
“For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.”
Little, and ignorant. Those in power ought to know, and to perform their duty.
“But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty.”
Equally. In proportion to their exigencies, or he punishes all as they deserve. It is not clear that he speaks of grace, as the Pelagians would assert, (Calmet) abusing this passage. See St. Augustine, ep. cvi., or clxxxvii.
“Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn wisdom, and not fall away.”
Mighty. This cannot be too often inculcated, (ver. 6.) lest the great should forget God and themselves. (Calmet) — Each must render an account of his charge, and be punished accordingly if he offend. (St. Gregory, hom. ix. Evang.) (Worthington)
“For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and they that have learned such things shall find what to answer.”
Kings. Septuagint, “tyrants.” But this title was not formerly odious.
“Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them, and ye shall be instructed.”
Just. Septuagint, “holy.” The Jewish judges were generally priests. — Answer. The sovereign judge, to whom Job and David confidently appeal.
“She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them.”
Seek her. With the assistance of divine grace, Deuteronomy xxx. 11., and Romans x. 6. The advantages of wisdom invite us to seek her. (Calmet)
“To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.”
Door. Ready to introduce herself. (Haydock) (Proverbs i. 20., and viii. 34., and ix. 1.)
“For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.”
Think. With eager desire to be guided by her maxims. (Calmet)
“For the very true beginning of her is the desire of discipline; and the care of discipline is love;”
Providence. To facilitate our just designs, Proverbs ix. (Menochius) — She is on the watch to save us. (Haydock)
“And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption;”
Discipline. We must begin with a sincere desire of instruction, and submit to correction, (Calmet) if we would come near to God, ver. 20. (Haydock) — Wisdom is attained by this gradation. (Worthington)
“If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.”
Everlasting is not in Greek. Wisdom conducts to the throne, (ver. 22.; Calmet) which shall last for ever. (Haydock) — The sense of the Vulgate is very just, chap. v. 17.
“But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.”
Now. The pagans attributed the invention of wisdom to Socrates, or to Pythagoras. But she proceeds from the bosom of God, and was practised long before their times.
“Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall do you good.”
Envy. I will not imitate such, chap. vii. 13. Wisdom ought to be diffused. (Calmet)
World. The wicked is ransomed and healed by the wise. (Philo.)