“Servus sapiens dominabitur filiis stultis, et inter fratres hæreditatem dividet.”
“A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.”
“A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.”
“A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.”
“A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.”
Brethren. Partaking with them, (Abenezra; Tirinus; Menochius) or rather acting as his master’s executor; which evinces the advantages of wisdom, so as to raise a slave above those whom his station requires him to serve. Such was Joseph, who was tried.
These words recommend family-love and peace, as conducing very much to the comfort of human life. 1. Those that live in unity and quietness, not only free from jealousies and animosities, but vying in mutual endearments, and obliging to one another, live very comfortably, though they are low in the world, work hard and fare hard, though they have but each of them a morsel, and that a dry morsel. There may be peace and quietness where there are not three meals a day, provided there by a joint satisfaction in God's providence and a mutual satisfaction in each other's prudence. Holy love may be found in a cottage. 2. Those that live in contention, that are always jarring and brawling, and reflecting upon one another, though they have plenty of dainties, a house full of sacrifices, live uncomfortably; they cannot expect the blessing of God upon them and what they have, nor can they have any true relish of their enjoyments, much less any peace in their own consciences. Love will sweeten a dry morsel, but strife will sour and embitter a house full of sacrifices. A little of the leaven of malice will leaven all the enjoyments.