Then. At the day of judgment. The just and the reprobate know each other’s condition, Luke xvi. 20. — Labours. Defrauding them of their wages, (Leviticus xix. 13.) or plundering them. Septuagint, “despised, (Calmet) or frustrated his labours.” (Haydock) — Worldlings deride those who strive to obtain the goods of eternity, (Calmet) and think they labour in vain. (Worthington)
Within. Or among themselves. — Repenting. In despair. — Reproach. We diverted ourselves with turning them to ridicule. (Calmet) — This change of sentiment (Haydock) proceeds not from the love of virtue, and is useless. (Worthington)
God. As they styled themselves truly, through the merits of Christ, chap. ii. 18.
Understanding in not in the Roman (Calmet) or the Alexandrian copy [of the Septuagint]. (Haydock) — Some read “of justice,” Ephesians v. 11. (Calmet)
Post. Septuagint, “fame.” —
Virtue. How quickly passes the life of man, (Proverbs xxx. 18.) and how few leave behind them a good reputation! Many of those whose actions are recorded in history, were falsely admired, (Calmet) and indeed the scourges of mankind. (Haydock)
Such, &c. This is not in the original; but supplied to complete the sense, (Calmet) as otherwise the following remarks would seem to be the confession of the damned in hell, (Haydock) or before the judgment-seat. (Castro.) — The past time is used to shew the certainty of the event. (Worthington)
Dust. Septuagint, Psalm i. 4. Literally, “like the tender beard, (Haydock) or wool.” Lanugo. (Calmet)