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The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Verse 1. Pursueth. “A crime is its own punishment.” Senec. ep. 93. Leviticus 26:36.—Dread. Of any thing terrestrial, as long as the object of his love is not attacked. Romans 8:35.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
Verse 2. Princes. Who each contend for the sovereign power. Calmet.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.
Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
Verse 8. Poor. It seldom happens that the unjust leave their riches to their children. Calmet. 13:22. Job 27:16.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Verse 9. His. Septuagint “he rendereth his prayer abominable.”
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Verse 13. Mercy. This is true repentance, which enjoins, “not only to bewail past sins, but also to amend.” Saint Ambrose ii. Pen. v.—Sacramental confession was not required of the Jews, but they confessed their sins, when they laid their hands on the victim, and so forth Leviticus 4 and 5. Calmet.
Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
Verse 16. Prudence. Septuagint “riches.” Poverty is a great temptation to people in authority, more than avarice itself. Calmet.
A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. No one will support him.
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
Verse 20. Innocent. Unpunished, if he employ fraud, verse 22 chapter 13:21.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Verse 21. Forsaketh. Hebrew “oppresseth (Septuagint selleth) a man.” Calmet.—Neither small nor great bribes must be taken. Justinian.
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
Verse 22. Poverty. Septuagint “the merciful shall have power over him.” verse 8. Bible.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
Verse 28. Men. Septuagint “the just groan,” and all are under “apprehensions.” Calmet.