Sirach
Verse 2. Bring. Greek “overweigh thee,” ( Bible.) or turn the balance of the judge ( Calmet.) against thee, by money, ( Bible.) which sometimes will corrupt kings. It is better, therefore, to avoid all law-suits. Worthington.
EXPLANATIONS
Sirach 8
Historical chapter commentary
Sirach
Verse 4. Fire. verse 13. Proverbs 26:20. Such contests are full of danger.
Sirach
Verse 5. Family. Or “ancestors.” They will be accused of having neglected thy education. People generally associate with those of the like dispositions.
Sirach
Verse 13. Sinners. Greek “a sinner, lest thou be burnt in the fire of his flame, when he shall be enraged. Bible.—This is not the time for reprehension. Calmet.—The envoys of Ezechias prudently answered nothing to Rabsaces. Saint Jerome in Is. xxxvi.—Useless correction must be avoided. Menochius.
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Verse 14. Words. Thus the Pharisees attacked our Saviour. Matthew 22:15. In popular assemblies it is dangerous, but sometimes requisite to oppose bold declaimers. Calmet. 9:25.
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Verse 16. Power. Thou must consider the debt as thy own. Proverbs 6:1. Calmet.
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Verse 20. Love. Greek “keep the word secret. 21) Do no hidden thing before a stranger.” Bible.—The skilful alone must be consulted. Worthington.
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Verse 22. Evil. Greek “false kindness.” The rest is omitted. Bible.—Samson was undone by Dalilia. When Pompey was going on an embassy, he was taken by king Gentius, who wished to extort his secret from him; but he put his finger in the flame of a candle, that he might see that all his attempts would be fruitless. V. Max. iii. 3.