Proverbs
Verse 1. Father. He shews the greatest respect for his parents, verse 3. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Proverbs 4
Historical chapter commentary
Proverbs
Verse 3. As. This is not expressed. Bible.—But Solomon was not the only son of Bethsabee, as Saint Luke (3:23) specifies Nathan, his brother. See 2 Kennicott. 12:24. Septuagint have “beloved in,” and so forth
Proverbs
Verse 4. He. Hebrew is masculine. Calmet.—As David instructed his son, so the latter teaches all how they may learn wisdom. Worthington.
Proverbs
Verse 7. Beginning. The first part of wisdom is to desire it. For nothing hindereth from being just, but that justice is not desired. Saint Augustine in Psalms 118:20. Worthington.—“Wisdom is the principal part; therefore get,” and so forth Prot. Bible.—It is the one thing necessary. Calmet.—The pearl, to acquire which we must part with every thing else, if required. Matthew 13:46. Menochius.
Proverbs
Verse 17. Wickedness. Acquired thereby, or they make sin their food. Calmet. 26:6.
Proverbs
Verse 18. Day. They are children of light, (John 12:35) and give edification, always advancing in virtue. Menochius.
Proverbs
Verse 19. Fall. They are unconcerned about sin, and neither avoid it, nor strive to repent. Calmet.
Proverbs
Verse 22. Flesh. All may derive benefit from their consideration. Bible.
Proverbs
Verse 23. From it. As the heart is the principal part of the body, so the will is the chief power of the soul, from which good or evil proceeds. Worthington.—A clean heart gives life, a corrupt one, death. Matthew 15:11. 19.
Proverbs
Verse 24. From thee. Neither detract, nor give any countenance to detractors.
Proverbs
Verse 25. Steps. Be attentive to thy own affairs. Proverbs 17:24.
Proverbs
Verse 26. Straight. Hebrew “ponder.” Examine what thou takest in hand, and walk not at random. Hebrews 12:13.
Proverbs
Verse 27. For, and so forth What follows in not in Hebrew or the Complut. ( Calmet.) Septuagint But it is in the Roman, and so forth ( Bible.) and in the new edition of S. Jerom, as it was explained by Ven. Bede. Lyran and Cajetan reject it. Calmet.