Sirach
Verse 1. Unjust. The translator styles riches unjust, because they often proceed from, or tend to injustice. They can afford no protection in death. Psalms 48:17. Lu. 11:19 and 16:9. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Sirach 5
Historical chapter commentary
Sirach
Verse 2. Heart. If no man can oppose thee, remember God’s judgments. Worthington.
Sirach
Verse 3. How mighty am I? is not in Greek though read by S. Cyp. and Saint Augustine Spec.—Sennacherib’s vain boasting was soon punished. Isaiah 37:36. Calmet.
Sirach
Verse 4. Rewarder. Greek “is long-suffering, he will not let thee escape.”
Sirach
Verse 5. And add. Greek “to add.” Take not occasion from God’s goodness to offend him. Bible.—He will punish at last. Jans.—Though you may have taken pains to repent, are you assured of being forgiven? Eccle. 9:1. A relapse calls for greater severity, though the graces of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29. He does not recall his favours, but he hates the ungrateful, verse 6. Bell. Just. iii. 4. Calmet.—Satisfaction must be made even after the sin has been remitted. Worthington.—This may be feared. Menochius.
Sirach
Verse 7. Looketh. Greek “shall rest” in hell, to punish the abuse of mercy. Bible.
Sirach
Verse 8. Day. A rabbin being asked when one must repent? answered, the day before death. But we know not when that will take place! Then, replied he, we must repent to-day. Drus.—“God has promised thee pardon, if thou repent, but he has not promised thee to-morrow.” Saint Augustine Ps. cxiv.
Sirach
Verse 12. The way. Greek, “thy knowledge or sentiment, and let thy speech be one,” ( Bible.) that men may depend upon thee.
Sirach
Verse 13. Word. Comp. adds, “of God.” But the Rom. edit. has, “be quick to hear, and answer slowly.” Jam. 1:19. “It is safer to hear than to preach.” Saint Augustine lix. in Jo.—Constancy in virtue will obtain the promised peace. Worthington.
Sirach
Verse 14. Lest. Greek “honour and infamy is in speech; and the tongue of man proves his ruin.” Bible.—Nothing can be productive of better or of worse consequences. Proverbs 18:21. Calmet.
Sirach
Verse 16. Be. Greek “ensnare not by thy tongue, (17) for evil confusion is upon the thief, and great condemnation on the double-tongued. 18.) Be not ignorant in any thing, great or small.” Bible.—The detractor is more dangerous than the thief. He pierces without being seen. Eccle. 10:11. Proverbs 26:20. Romans 1:29.
Sirach
Verse 18. Great. Only examine the justice of the cause; or, according to the Greek, commit no fault of ignorance, nor say, “I did not think.” Calmet.—Acknowledge thy friend in his poverty, as well as in his greatness. Bible.