“Alii dividunt propria, et ditiores fiunt ; alii rapiunt non sua, et semper in egestate sunt.”
“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”
“One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.”
“There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.”
“There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.”
Others. Moderation is always requisite. Hebrew, “there is one withholding from rectitude, yet for a defect,” (Mont.[Montanus?]) being too saving, he is a loser. (Haydock) — Avarice does not always increase riches. (Calmet)
I. Silence is here recommended as an instance of true friendship, and a preservative of it, and therefore an evidence, 1. Of wisdom: A man of understanding, that has rule over his own spirit, if he be provoked, holds his peace, that he may neither give vent to his passion nor kindle the passion of others by any opprobrious language or peevish reflections. 2. Of sincerity: He that is of a faithful spirit, that is true, not only to his own promise, but to the interest of his friend, conceals every matter which, if divulged, may turn to the prejudice of his neighbour.