Wisdom, &c. This is not in Greek, and seems out of its place, being taken from Proverbs xvi. 32., or Ecclesiastes ix. 16. (Calmet) — The connection with the preceding is observable in the next verse. (Haydock)
Kings. The author puts these words in the mouth of Solomon to give them greater weight, (Calmet) or rather (Haydock) as the inspiration of God is the most unexceptionable authority, and it would be of no service to introduce a false personage speaking; these nine first chapters were written by Solomon, though the original has since disappeared. This has been the case with respect to the original text of Tobias and Judith, (Houbigant) as well as to that of the many canticles and parables which Solomon wrote. (Haydock)
Power. All power is from God, and to be respected, even though the magistrate should sometimes abuse his authority. (Worthington) (Romans xiii. 1.) — They must render an account to the common master, 2 Paralipomenon xix. 6.
Rule. How severely did God chastise Moses, David, and Ezechias.
Little, and ignorant. Those in power ought to know, and to perform their duty.
Equally. In proportion to their exigencies, or he punishes all as they deserve. It is not clear that he speaks of grace, as the Pelagians would assert, (Calmet) abusing this passage. See St. Augustine, ep. cvi., or clxxxvii.
Mighty. This cannot be too often inculcated, (ver. 6.) lest the great should forget God and themselves. (Calmet) — Each must render an account of his charge, and be punished accordingly if he offend. (St. Gregory, hom. ix. Evang.) (Worthington)
Kings. Septuagint, “tyrants.” But this title was not formerly odious.