Bible Commentaries
18

Verse 1

Together, as to their substance, though they received different forms successively, as Moses relates. Both writers are divinely inspired. (St. Augustine, de Gen. ad Lit. iv. 33.) (Worthington) (St. Thomas Aquinas, [Summa Theologiae] i. p. 974. a. 2.) --- Some suppose that all things were really formed in an instant, and that the order described by Moses is only as we should conceive it. (Cajetan) --- This passage only means that God alone was the creator both of the sun and of man, and without him nothing was made, (John i., and Psalm xxxii. 15.) as he gave existence to all, Greek: koine, "in common." (Calmet) --- And he. Greek, "and there is no other besides him who steers the world with the palm of his hand. And all things obey his will;; for he is king of all, in his might, separating what is holy among them from the profane. (2.) He has enabled no one to," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 5

Added. The works speak for themselves, though man be silent. (Calmet)

Verse 6

Begin. God is so great and incomprehensible, that when an has done all that he can to find out his greatness and boundless perfections, he is still to begin: for what he has found out, is but a mere nothing, in comparison of his infinity. (Challoner) --- It is best to adore him in silence and humility. (Calmet)

Verse 7

Grace. Greek, "utility." (Haydock) --- Evil. What can man do for or against God? Job xxii. 3., and Psalm xv. 2.

Verse 8

Years. Seneca fixes on the same number; (Brev. Vitæ. 3.) Macrobius on seventy, for the life of man; which nearly agrees with the author of Psalm lxxxix. 10. (Haydock) --- It seldom happens that people exceed 70, or 100 years. But what is this compared with eternity? (Calmet) --- Greek, "a hundred years are many....so are a thousand years in the day of the age," or of Greek: aionos, eternity. (Haydock) (Psalm lxxxix. 4., and 2 Peter iii. 8.)

Verse 9

Them. Human misery calls forth God’s pity. (Calmet)

Verse 12

Flesh. It is infinite and disinterested. Man assists his neighbour expecting a recompense, and remembering that he may be distressed.

Verse 14

Judgments. To execute his orders. Here ends the discourse begun [in] chap. xiv. 22. (Calmet)

Verse 15

Complaint. Greek, "reproach." (Haydock) --- The manner of giving, enhances the value of the gift, or even surpasses it. (Calmet) -----Super omnia vultus

Accessere boni, nec iners pauperque voluntas. ([Ovid?] Met. 8.)

Verse 20

Medicine. This is more requisite and easy to do in the maladies of the soul, which are brought on by our own fault. Principiis obsta. (Calmet) --- Mercy. Greek, "propitiation in the hour of visitation," (Haydock) or punishment. (Calmet)

Verse 21

Sick. Greek (Roman) adds, "by abstinence, and in the time of sins, manifest a conversion." (Haydock) --- If we take precautions to avoid illness, why should we neglect the concerns of our soul? --- Conversation, or good conduct.

Verse 22

Always. These admirable maxims seem copied from the gospel, Luke xviii. 1. (Calmet) --- The same spirit dictated all the Scriptures. (Haydock) --- Those pray always who neglect not this duty at proper times, and are always resolved to do so. (St. Augustine, ep. 121. q. ad Prob.) (Worthington) --- Greek, "be not hindered from performing thy vow in good time, and wait not to be justified, (Haydock) or to put it in execution till death. Deuteronomy xxiii. 21. Before thou takest a vow," &c. Examine well if thou intend to perform it. (Calmet)

Verse 23

God. Can we expect that he will hear what we do not ourselves? To approach his majesty, without repentance and attention, is presumptuous. We must ask God to open our lips, and do what lies in us. (Council of Trent) (Calmet)

Verse 24

Face, saying to the reprobate, Depart, &c., chap. vii. 40., and Matthew xxv. 41. (Haydock)

Verse 25

Riches. By their good use, lay up a treasure in heaven, and be always humble, chap. xi. 27.

Verse 26

God. All things continually change. (Calmet) --- Rotam volubili orbe versamus. (Boet. cons. 2.) --- Reflect on Aman and Mardochai. (Calmet) Quem dies vidit veniens superbum,

Hunc dies vidit fugiens jacentem. (Sen.[Seneca?] Thyeste.)

Verse 27

Thing. Mindful of the reverse of fortune, chap. xi. 30., and Proverbs xxviii. 14. (Calmet) --- Sloth, and repent. Greek adds, "the fool will not observe the season." (Haydock)

Verse 28

Her. It is a rare thing to discern and give due praise to merit. (Calmet)

Verse 29

CHAPTER XVIII.

And judgments. Greek, "full of accuracy." Some add the title "restraint of the soul." (Haydock)

Verse 31

Enemies. This motive will make the most impression on those who are slaves to their passions. (Calmet)

Verse 32

Small. Literally, "nor in those which are small." (Haydock) --- Composed of the meanest citizens. Quarrels and sin are there almost inevitable. (Calmet) --- Greek, "rejoice not in high living; nor beg for its symbol," (Haydock) or feast, in which each person contributed his share, Greek: sumbole, as the next verse implies. (Calmet) --- Symbolum dedit, cænavit. (Ter.[Tertullian?] And.)