“Qui negligit damnum propter amicum, justus est ; iter autem impiorum decipiet eos.”
“The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. excellent: or, abundant”
“A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.”
“A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
“The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.”
Just. A true friend will make any sacrifice. (Calmet) — “I am convinced that friendship can subsist only among the good,” says Cicero. Hebrew, “the just hath more, (Calmet; Protestants) or is more excellent than his neighbour.” Septuagint, “the intelligent just is his own friend; (but the sentences of the impious are contrary to equity. Evils shall pursue sinners) but the way,” &c. (Grabe) (Haydock)
See here, 1. The wicked entangling themselves in trouble by their folly, when God in justice leaves them to themselves. They are often snared by the transgression of their lips and their throats are cut with their own tongues. By speaking evil of dignities they expose themselves to public justice; by giving ill language they become obnoxious to private resentments, are sued for defamation, and actions on the case for words are brought against them. Many a man has paid dearly in this world for the transgression of his lips, and has felt the lash on his back for want of a bridle upon his tongue, Ps 64 8. 2. The righteous extricating themselves out of trouble by their own wisdom, when God in mercy comes in for their succour: The just shall come out of such troubles as the wicked throw themselves headlong into. It is intimated that the just may perhaps come into trouble; but, though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down, Ps 34 19.