For we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 6. Unclean: leper. Grot. Leviticus 13:45.—Justices. That is, the works by which we pretended to make ourselves just. This is spoken particularly of the sacrifices, sacraments, and ceremonies of the Jews, after the death of Christ, and the promulgation of the new law. Challoner.—The justice which is under the law is stated uncleanness, when compared with evangelical purity. Philippians 3:8.—“If any one after the gospel … would observe the ceremonies of the law, let him hear the people confessing that all that justice is compared to a most filthy rag.” Saint Jerome—The good works which are done by grace, and not by man alone, cannot be said to be of this description. They constitute the internal glory of man, and God will one day crown these his gifts. Of ourselves indeed we can do nothing, and the works of the Mosaic law will not avail, as Saint Paul inculcates; but those works, point out the saint, which are preformed by charity with faith in Christ. This justice is not imputed only, but real; and shews where true faith exists, according to Saint James. Thus the apostles explain each other. Bible.—Woman. Septuagint “of one sitting down;” like Rachel. Genesis 31:35. Sym. “lying-in.” Aq. “of proofs.” Grot. “like a plaster on a sore, which is thrown away.” Such were Alcimus, and so forth Calmet.—To practise ( Bible.) the Jewish rites would now be sinful. Menochius.