βI myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth,β
Myself. Solomon acquired wisdom, and all others may do it.
βFor all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.β
Out. Augustus asked a little before his death: βHave we acted our part (personΔ) well enough?β (Suetonius) β Life is like a stage; before and after which, all are equal.
βWherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.β
Wherefore, as I had no advantage over others naturally, I asked for the wisdom requisite to fill so important an office, 3 Kings ix. 10. (Calmet) β Solomon, whose sayings are here recorded, prayed for wisdom. (Worthington)
βI preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.β
Preferred. I did not ask for extensive dominions, &c. (Calmet) β In Proverbs viii. 10., &c., as well as here, some things refer to the uncreated, and others to created wisdom. (Menochius)
βI learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do not hide her riches.β
Not. Ecclesiasticus xx. 32., and Matthew xxv. 25. Such disinterestedness deserves to be imitated by all the learned, chap. vi. 25.
βFor she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that use become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.β
God. Coming near to him, chap. vi. 20., and 1 Corinthians vi. 16. The wise do not seek for glory; but it follows them.
βGod hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.β
Would. With sincerity, and in a sententious and captivating manner, 3 Kings ix. 24. (Calmet) β Thoughts. PrΔsumere has this meaning. (Haydock) β Presumption is far removed from true wisdom. Solomon manifested his greatness of soul by his buildings, and wise regulations.
βThe beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons:β
Times. Or βthings.β (St. Ambrose, Abr. ii. 7.) β Times past, present, and future, (Origen, hom. xxi.) or the three seasons; autumn, the beginning of the civil year, summer the end, and spring or winter, the middle. (Grotius) β Their. The βseasons,β as the Greek implies, (Calmet) and the vicissitudes of heat and cold. (Menochius)
βFor wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold, subtil, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good quick, which cannot be letted, ready to do good,β
Holy. These are the proper epithets of the spirit of wisdom, (Worthington) or of the Holy Ghost. (Cornelius a Lapide; Lorin.) β They may also be applicable to the wisdom which resides in man: one, in essence, manifold, in its operations, subtle, knowing all things; (chap. i. 7.) eloquent, to persuade; (Calmet) Greek, βeasily moved, or moving,β eukineton, (Haydock) active. Greek, βopen (Calmet) or entire.β
βFor wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.β
For wisdom, which is the same with the Spirit, and the Son of God, ver. 25.
βFor she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her.β
Glory. As St. Paul testifies of Jesus Christ, Hebrews i. 3. (Eusebius; Demon. Evang. iv. 5.) β It may also be understood of the wisdom given to the prophets and saints, ver. 27. Plato thought this to be a vapour, or fire proceeding from God. (In Protag. Philo. de Som.) β Some apply the passage to the blessed Virgin [Mary]. (Cornelius a Lapide, v. 26.) (Calmet) See Proverbs i. 2. (Worthington)
βFor she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness.β
Goodness. This is particularly noticed, as he speaks of the favours received. It was also an effect of infinite goodness, that the Deity should communicate itself substantially, in the generation of the Son, and the procession of the Holy Ghost. (Menochius)
βAnd being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.β
Prophets. No age or nation has been left destitute by God. Among the Gentiles, Job was a saint. (Haydock) β The philosophers also knew God, (Romans i. 21.) and taught many important truths, (Calmet) though they erred in other respects, and dishonoured their profession. True religion has always subsisted, and saints, (Haydock) yea even pagan philosophers, have borne witness to the truth. (Clement of Alexandria, &c.) (Calmet)
βFor after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail against wisdom.β
Evil. Or disgrace. (Grotius) β The brightest days are succeeded by night. The divine wisdom never fails, though that of man is subject to change, as Solomon has taught us by his own woeful example. (Calmet)