The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. In mercy. Proverbs 27:16 and Ezekiel 19:8. Bible.—Let not the oil of the sinner, and so forth That is, the flattery, or deceitful praise. Challoner.—This is pernicious; while the reprehension of the just may do us good. Worthington.—Sinner. Hebrew “of poison, or of the head, (vass) break, or fatten, (Saint Jerome) or be broken upon my head.” The vessel was usually broken. Mar. 14:3. Bert.—Prot. “Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break,” and so forth Bible.—Or “he shall not,” and so forth as his only aim tends to my advantage. Many other senses may be given. Calmet.—For my prayer, and so forth So far from coveting their praises, who are never well pleased but with things that are evil; I shall continually pray to be preserved from such things as they are delighted with. Challoner.—Against. Lit. “in or concerning their desirable things.” Bible.—I pray to God that I may be preserved from their malice, in which they take delight, ( Menochius.) and that they may cease to run on to their ruin. Bible.—The Church still prays for sinners, though as yet they delight in their criminal pursuits, ( Worthington.) in order that a wholesome bitterness may wean them from such things. Saint John Chrysostom—My prayer shall subsist amid their pleasures. Bert.