God. This prayer, which continues to the end of the book, is a paraphrase of 3 Kings iii. 6., &c., with several additional instructions, to remind people in authority of the love of justice. (Calmet)
King. Hence it appears, that the sentiments of Solomon are expressed. (Worthington) — Judge. This is the first duty of a king. — Thy sons. He ought to govern his people, remembering that they are God’s creatures and children.
Beginning. In thy eternal decrees, or when thou madest choice of Israel. (Haydock) — The temple was greater, but very like the tabernacle: only the court of the priests was divided from that of the people. In the desert, the whole camp was considered a the court of the latter. (Calmet)
With thee. The uncreated wisdom is God himself: that which is communicated to man is his gift, ver. 10. (Worthington) — World. Proverbs viii. 22. This request shews what idea Solomon had of God’s majesty, for which he was preparing a temple.
Thought. How shall we govern as we ought, and act as thy vicegerents, without thy Spirit? (Proverbs xvi. 10., and 2 Kings xiv. 17.)
Whosoever, &c., is not in the Septuagint. But men includes as much. (Haydock) — The saints have been preserved from the contagion and punishments of the world only by means of the divine benefit. (Calmet)