โIpse deludet illusores, et mansuetis dabit gratiam.โ
โSurely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly .โ
โHe mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.โ
โSurely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.โ
โSurely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.โ
not only upon his own person, but also upon his posterity, and upon all his domestical concerns.
Scorners. Literally, โhe will delude the scorners.โ (Haydock) โ He will treat them as they would treat others, Psalm xvii. 27. (Calmet) โ Septuagint, โthe Lord resisteth the proud,โ &c. So the apostles quote this passage, 1 Peter v. 5., and James iv. 6. (Haydock)
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. 29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. 31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Verses 27-35 Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example; to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness; to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found there is little got by striving. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favour is shown to the humble believer.